Raghavendar Askani is a distinguished liberal activist, economics scholar, and social entrepreneur dedicated to advancing public policy, civic engagement, and human flourishing. He is the Founder and President of the Youth Parliament Program (YPP) and the Co-founder of the Swatantrata Center for Human Flourishing, a prominent Indian public policy think tank focused on the intersection of individual liberty and economic prosperity. Throughout his career, Mr. Askani has established a prolific record of leading youth-centric movements and policy initiatives, notably serving as the National Co-ordinator of Youth for Better India, where he played a pivotal role in one of the country’s most influential youth-led anti-corruption movements. He was also instrumental in expanding Students for Liberty in Andhra Pradesh and subsequently headed the organization’s South India chapter.

Prior to his current leadership roles, Mr. Askani operated as a development consultant for various international and domestic non-profits, specializing in policy development, economic growth, and entrepreneurship education. An alumnus of the School for Democracy trained by the Foundation for Democratic Reforms and Loksatta, he has been recognized and trained by a prestigious global network of policy institutions, including the Atlas Network, the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), the Acton Institute, the Leadership Institute, the Centre for Civil Society, and the Language of Liberty. He is also an alumnus of LeaderXchange, an international exchange program organized by India’s Future Foundation.

His global footprint is marked by extensive representation of Indian civil society at numerous international conferences and workshops across North America, Europe, and Asia. In recognition of his contributions to youth empowerment and civic reform, Mr. Askani has received several high-level distinctions, most notably the REX Karmaveer Chakra Award and the e-REX Global Youth Fellowship (2020-21), awarded in association with the United Nations (UN). His honors also include the Public Citizen Award (2016) from People Action for Social Service and the Youth Inspiration Award (2012) for his leadership in the anti-corruption movement. Today, Mr. Askani continues to champion evidence-based policy and liberal values to foster a global society rooted in economic freedom and democratic integrity.