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Leadership & Governance​

The Foundation is governed by two founding Directors who provide the strategic vision, operational oversight, and public accountability required of a serious development institution.

Their work is supported by a key technical partner whose expertise has been central to the Foundation’s most impactful programme to date.

The Foundation’s leadership structure is intentionally lean and mission-focused. The Directors’ roles span strategic planning, programme management, stakeholder engagement,
and day-to-day operations , ensuring that governance remains grounded, agile, and accountable to the communities they serve.

Karma Choden Bhutia

Karma Choden Bhutia

Co-Founder & Director

Guiding the Foundation’s vision through community leadership, wellness advocacy, and sustainable social development initiatives.
Tshering Palmu Bhutia

Tshering Palmu Bhutia

Co-Founder

Dedicated to building meaningful social impact by fostering community empowerment, cultural preservation, and inclusive development.
Karishma Pradhan

Karishma Pradhan

General Manager

Driving organizational growth, strategic partnerships, and transformative programs that empower individuals and communities.

Ms. Karma Choden Bhutia (Director & Co-Founder)

Professional Background

  • Director, Kurukulla Impact Foundation: Co-founded and directs this non-profit
    organization (inc. 2025), which focuses on “magnetizing” resources, knowledge, and
    systems for community benefit, social development, and wellness in the Himalayan
    region.
  • Entrepreneur & Owner, Karma Unisex Salon & Spa: Founded and manages this
    premier wellness and grooming establishment on MG Road, Gangtok. As a prominent
    figure in the local service sector, she oversees operations and business growth within
    the regional beauty and hospitality industry.
  • Cultural & State Advocacy: Served as a lead participant in the high-profile 7,000 km
    “Organic Sikkim” road trip across North India (2025). This mission promoted Sikkim’s
    50th year of Statehood and its global identity as a leader in organic farming and
    environmental sustainability.
  • Community & Environmental Leadership: Actively involved in organizing large-scale
    advocacy campaigns and regional initiatives aimed at promoting the “Green Sikkim”
    mission, environmental cleanliness, and the unique cultural-environmental landscape of
    the state.

Recent Accomplishments (2025–2026)

  • Sikkim Yoga Teachers’ Training Initiative (May 2026): Led a landmark training program
    for 825 teachers from government schools, monastic institutions, and Sanskrit
    Pathshalas, successfully integrating yoga into the state’s formal education curriculum.
  • National “Model State” Recognition (2025): Represented Sikkim at the National AYUSH
    Mission Conclave (Lonavala), where the state was lauded as a national model for
    achieving a 97.94% fund utilization rate and innovative healthcare delivery.
  • Wellness Hub Development: Instrumental in implementing the Chief Minister’s vision to
    establish Sikkim as a global “Wellness Hub,” overseeing the development of integrated
    AYUSH hospitals and mental health outreach.
  • Institutional Bridge-Building: Successfully bridged the gap between traditional
    Himalayan wisdom and modern development through the Kurukulla Impact
    Foundation’s collaborative community projects.

Awards & Recognitions

  • Sikkim State Meritorious Service Awardee: Formally conferred by the Government of
    Sikkim in recognition of her outstanding professional dedication, integrity, and
    meritorious service within the state’s healthcare system.
  • Sikkim Statehood Ambassador (2025): Led the high-profile 7,000 km “Sikkim
    Statehood” road trip across North India to celebrate the state’s 50th year of statehood
    and promote its identity as a leader in organic mission and environmental conservation.
  • Sikkim Gyan Manch Felicitation (2021): Recognized for her dual contributions as a
    dedicated professional and an entrepreneur committed to Sikkim’s long-term socioeconomic growth.
  • State Felicitations: Repeatedly honored at official state functions for her leadership in
    public health and for pioneering the “Wellness Culture” in the Eastern Himalayas.

Karishma Pradhan (General Manager)

Professional Background

  • Founder & Owner, Karismatic Playzone : Established and manages Sikkim’s premier
    indoor children’s play and learning centers, focusing on early childhood development in
    safe, interactive environments.
  • Founder, Karismatic Academy: Pioneered the first professional soft skills, acting, and
    personality development institute in Sikkim to nurture local creative talent.
  • Corporate Training Expert: Brings over 6 years of corporate work experience in sectors
    ranging from Supply Chain Management to Marketing and Education.
  • Former Sales Manager (GATI): Distinguished as the only female sales manager to
    handle the largest branch in India for GATI.
  • Strategic Collaborator: Actively partners with social impact initiatives, including the
    Kurukulla Impact Foundation, to align modern business practices with community wellbeing

Recent Accomplishments (2025–2026)

  • Global Training Impact: Successfully trained thousands of employees across
    international and national hubs, including Dubai, Delhi/Gurgaon, Siliguri, and Guwahati.
  • Expansion of Karismatic Playzone: Managed the successful launch of a state-of-the-art
    facility designed for interactive learning and recreation in Sikkim.
  • Institutional Student Training: Delivered professional training programs for students at
    the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) and the Sikkim Institute of Science and
    Technology (Chisopani).

Karismatic Academy Initiatives

  • Youth Development: Organizes specialized summer camps for kids and acting
    workshops to foster creativity and socialization.
  • Skill Enhancement Programs: Conducts comprehensive training focused on confidence
    building, effective communication, creative thinking, and overcoming social anxiety
  • Talent Discovery: Spearheads major regional competitions, including Sikkim Rising Star
    and various Talent Hunt and Manhunt events.

Awards & Recognitions

  • Winner, Sananda Tilottama (2007): Achieved national-level recognition by winning this
    prestigious beauty and personality pageant in Kolkata, selected from thousands of
    applicants nationwide.
  • Top 7 Finalist, Mr and Miss Pune (2006): Early career recognition in regional personality
    competitions.
  • Academic & Institutional Recognition: Frequently invited as a Chief Guest and Guest of
    Honor at major events, such as SRM University Sikkim’s business school meets
    (Innocrative).
  • Entrepreneurial Role Model: Widely recognized as a leading figure in the Northeast
    region for women-led startups and innovative business models.