Dr Ashok Khosla founded Development Alternatives in 1982 as a major step towards fulfilling his dream for sustainable development. Over the years, Dr Khosla has worked tirelessly to demonstrate the theory and practice of sustainable development through his teachings, inspiring fostering and delivery of environmentally friendly and commercially viable technologies. He is responsible for policy, strategic planning and the overall supervision of the organisation’s operations. He has been working towards the development and dissemination of effective environmental management systems and the design and advocacy of appropriate policies and institutions both in India and on the international arena.
A PhD in Experimental Physics from Harvard University, he has chaired and managed positions of eminence, globally. Starting from 1976 when he was appointed director for UNEP’s Infoterra he has gone onto leading institutions like Environmental Planning, Gov’t of India, Delhi (1972-76), International Union for Conservation of Nature (2008), Club of Rome (2006), United Nation’s International Resource Panel (2007) and many more.
His work and expertise has been recognized globally with accolades. In 2002 he was awarded the United Nations Sasakawa Environment Prize. This was followed by Schwab Foundation Award for Outstanding Social Entrepreneur in 2004; Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2008 and Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Medal at Buckingham Palace (2011) in recognition for his outstanding, life-long service to the environment.