Donor Council
The Anthropological Association for Humankind (AAfH) organizes the National Applied Anthropology Congress and the Biennial World Applied Anthropology Congress, its flagship event, through the generous support of individual donors and foundations committed to the cause of applied anthropology. These events aim to address contemporary human challenges by applying anthropological methods, tools, research, and findings to improve the human condition and promote human flourishing.
The Donor Council of AAfH comprises self-motivated individuals and dedicated philanthropists who contribute generously to this mission. Their unwavering commitment enables the development and advocacy of anthropological applications in solving real-world problems. By supporting the creation of innovative solutions and fostering anthropological understanding, the Donor Council plays a pivotal role in addressing human issues and ensuring a positive societal impact.
The organization’s essence and purpose lie in providing deeper insights into human nature and creating pathways to improve human existence. Through its efforts, AAfH aims to facilitate global peace, harmonious coexistence, and progress within culturally pluralistic societies. With the dedication and vision of the Donor Council, AAfH continues to fulfill its mission of enhancing human understanding and fostering sustainable development for a better future.
G. Narottam Reddy is the President of Group Procurement and Corporate Development at Apollo Hospitals Group, one of Asia's largest and most renowned healthcare providers. With over two decades of experience in the healthcare and corporate sectors, Reddy has played a crucial role in driving Apollo Hospitals' growth and transformation into a global healthcare leader.
In his role, Reddy oversees the procurement strategies and corporate development activities of the Apollo Hospitals Group. His focus is on optimizing the procurement process to ensure cost-efficiency, quality, and timely availability of medical supplies, which are vital for maintaining the high standards of healthcare that Apollo is known for. Additionally, he leads strategic initiatives aimed at expanding the group’s business footprint, forging key partnerships, and identifying new growth opportunities in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
Reddy’s expertise lies in strategic sourcing, supply chain management, and corporate development. His leadership has contributed significantly to Apollo's continuous innovation and its commitment to providing world-class healthcare services. He has been instrumental in fostering collaboration across various stakeholders, including medical professionals, suppliers, and business partners, ensuring that Apollo Hospitals remains at the forefront of healthcare excellence.
Under his leadership, Apollo Hospitals has strengthened its position as a leading healthcare provider, not just in India but also in the international healthcare market. His ability to drive operational efficiency while fostering growth has been key to Apollo’s success
Prof. P. D. Satya Pal kumar is a Professor of Anthropology at Andhra University, specializing in the study of social inequality, caste and tribe dynamics, cultural capital, nomadic communities, and democracy and human rights. With a strong academic presence, his research interests focus on exploring the social and cultural structures that shape and influence Indian society. Dr. Pal’s notable works include investigations into volume exclusion influences in the spectral characteristics of DNA-amino acid complexes, and the effects of macromolecular crowding on DNA-protein interactions, which have been published in reputable journals such as Vibrational Spectroscopy and the Journal of Fluorescence. His research extends beyond the laboratory, examining cultural and social dynamics in India, highlighted by his studies on Ambedkar’s exploration of cultural capital and the politics of exclusion, published in journals like The Eastern Anthropologist and The IUP Journal of History and Culture. Though his academic email is not verified, Dr. Pal’s contributions to understanding the intersections of science and society position him as a significant figure in contemporary anthropological and sociological research
Prof. Ravindranath Duggirala
Prof. Ravindranath Duggirala is a renowned professor at the Department of Health and Behavioural Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M University-San Antonio. With a robust background in health and behavioural sciences, he has significantly contributed to understanding the complex interplay between genetics, environment, and health outcomes. Prof. Duggirala’s research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including epidemiology, public health, and behavioural sciences, with a particular focus on the genetic and environmental factors influencing health disparities. He has published extensively in prestigious international journals, sharing groundbreaking insights that bridge the gap between behavioural science and public health. Prof. Duggirala’s commitment to research excellence is evident in his mentorship of numerous doctoral and MPhil scholars, fostering the next generation of health and behavioural scientists. His contributions have been recognized through various awards and grants, highlighting his dedication to advancing knowledge in his field. As a thought leader, Prof. Duggirala regularly presents his findings at international conferences, bringing attention to critical issues in health and behavioural sciences, and continues to inspire both colleagues and students alike.
Prof. V. Narayana Reddy
Prof. V. Narayana Reddy is a former Professor of Anthropology at Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, and the Founder Registrar of Vikrama Simhapuri University, Nellore. With an academic career that includes roles as Associate Professor, Professor, and Registrar, Prof. Reddy has made significant contributions to anthropology and higher education. He earned his Ph.D. in Social-Cultural Anthropology from S.V. University, focusing on the sacred complex of Tirumala Tirupati, and holds an M.A. with first rank from the same institution. His scholarly work includes four published books on development and empowerment, and he has led major research projects funded by UGC, ISRO, and UNDP. Prof. Reddy's leadership is marked by his successful tenure as Dean of Resource Mobilization, where he enhanced university infrastructure and academic programs. As Registrar, he was instrumental in curriculum development, faculty recruitment, and establishing research facilities. Honored with the Andhra Pradesh State Best Teacher Award and a national accolade from the India International Friendship Society, Prof. Reddy is a distinguished candidate for Chairman/Vice-Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education.
Brent E. Metz
Director and Professor
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Kansas
Dr. Brent Metz is a distinguished anthropologist with extensive expertise in Latin American indigenous cultures, applied anthropology, and identity politics. He earned his PhD in Anthropology from SUNY-Albany (1995), following degrees from the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University. Dr. Metz’s primary research focuses on the Ch’orti’-Maya in Central America, exploring their quality of life, identity politics, and responses to socio-economic and environmental challenges. His recent work emphasizes sustainable development and climate change in Central America’s “Dry Corridor,” collaborating on multidisciplinary research initiatives.
Dr. Metz is a dedicated educator, teaching courses on Indigenous Traditions, Mexamerica, and applied field methods. His innovative teaching approach integrates global awareness and service learning, fostering student engagement and practical application of anthropological concepts.
A prolific author, Dr. Metz has published extensively on indigenous rights, migration, and cultural heritage. His leadership extends beyond academia, co-founding Engineers Without Borders – Sunflower Professional Chapter and serving on boards such as the Lawrence Centro Hispano. His work embodies a commitment to improving lives through anthropology and cross-cultural understanding.
The Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research is one of the leading private foundations dedicated to advancing anthropological knowledge and understanding of humanity. Established in 1941, the foundation has played a pivotal role in supporting anthropological research globally, funding projects that span the discipline’s four fields: cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. Its mission emphasizes fostering innovation, promoting the highest standards of scholarship, and addressing pressing human issues through anthropological perspectives.
The foundation offers various grant programs, including Dissertation Fieldwork Grants, Post-Ph.D. Research Grants, and International Fellowships, to support both emerging scholars and established researchers. These grants encourage rigorous fieldwork, collaborative research, and scholarly writing, enabling anthropologists to delve deeper into the complexities of human life and culture.
In addition to funding, Wenner-Gren organizes the prestigious “Symposium” series, which brings together leading scholars to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue on pressing global issues. The foundation also publishes Current Anthropology, a peer-reviewed journal that facilitates scholarly discourse and disseminates research findings to the broader academic community.
Committed to inclusivity and global collaboration, Wenner-Gren is a cornerstone institution in the field of anthropology, fostering research and dialogue that bridge cultural divides and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the human experience.