CIF INDIA
Indian Council for International Programmes Fellowship (CIF India)
ABOUT OUR ORGANISATION
The Indian Council for International Programmes Fellowship (CIF India)
is a vital national branch of CIF International, established in 1980. Since its founding, CIF India has played an important role in facilitating international professional exchanges, providing a platform for social work professionals worldwide to engage with India’s unique socio-cultural, economic, and political landscape.
One of the
30
National Branches
Networked with
40
Countries Worldwide
Indian Council for International Programmes Fellowship (CIF India)
The Council for International Programmes Fellowship (CIF – International) is a global
network of social work professionals dedicated to fostering international understanding
and collaboration. Founded in 1960, CIF’s mission focuses on advancing development,
welfare, and world peace through intercultural training and the exchange of experiences
among professionals in social work and human welfare services.
With national branches in over 30 countries, CIF facilitates the sharing of knowledge
and expertise in social work across borders. A key activity of the organization is the
International Professional Exchange Programme (IPEP), which allows professionals to
engage in cross-cultural learning and collaboration. This program promotes mutual
understanding and enhances the impact of social work practices worldwide.
About CIF India
CIF India has previously hosted two international conferences in 1981 and 2003, and is set to further its mission of fostering understanding and collaboration by organizing the 36th CIF International Conference in November 2025. Further contributing to its
goal of promoting understanding and collaboration. The organization’s flagship
initiative, the International Professional Exchange Programme (IPEP), offers
participants a deep dive into India’s social systems, challenges, and the various efforts
to address them. Through this program, social work professionals gain hands-on
exposure to the issues faced by India’s diverse communities, enriching their knowledge and practices.
In addition to offering the IPEP for international professionals, CIF India also enables
Indian social work professionals to participate in exchange programs organized by other CIF national branches. This reciprocal exchange fosters global learning and sharing of innovative practices in social welfare and human services.
CIF India Current Board Members
Dr. Virochan Raote
President
CIF India is a trained Social Worker associated with CIF since 2006. He is an Assistant Professor at the College of Social Work Nirmala Niketan , Mumbai. Extensive experience as a social worker, trainer and administrator.
The expertise of Dr. Raote is in the area of peace and conflict resolution. He is Child Rights Activist and was a member of the Child Welfare Committee.
Ms. Iva Athavia
Vice President
Her qualification is Iron Lady Corporate Leadership Program –TISS, Mumbai, PGHHM - Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, at Pune, MSW - TISS, Mumbai, B.Ed Allahabad University. She is founder trustee, president and Managing director of SUADHA NGO.
Mr. Sidharth Ughade
Secretary
He is a professional social worker and has completed his Master in Social Work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.
Ms. Seema Redkar
Jt. Secretary
MSW, Dip in Public Administrative Netherlands, Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar National Award & 26/7 Hero Award by Times foundation.
Dr. (Ms). Uma Jadhav
Treasurer
MSW, LL.B, PhD, NET, Community Development Officer - KEM Hospital, Mumbai
Mr. Ratnakar Khaire
Imm. Past President
He is Professional Social worker did Master of Social work from Nirmala Niketan college of social work Mumbai. He is a past president of CIF India & Governing Board member.
Ms. Sangita Mehrotra
Member – CIF India
CIF board member since 2009. Previously held office of Secretary and Vice President in CIF India board.
Mrs. Meenal Thakore
Jt. Treasurer
Master of Social Work , Plan India Impact National Award winner for best Child Welfare Committee District Thane., Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan Award winner for post-Retirement work towards society, Life Time Achievement Award from the Rotary club of Dimond, Kalyan
Ms. Meera Shah
Member – CIF India
M.A. Clinical Psychology. M.S.W, Specialization in the field of Mental Health and
Community Development , Active CIF board member since 40 years. Held post of Vice
President,as well as Secretary.
Mr. Vijay Gaikwad
Member – CIF India
Master in social work, diploma in labour law and labour welfare
Secretary
Mr. Prashant Shinde
Member – CIF India
MSW, LL.B, PhD, NET, Community Development Officer - KEM Hospital, Mumbai
Mr. Vijay Jawlekar
Member – CIF India
MSW,BSW from College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan. CIF member since 2011
Overview International Professional Exchange Program (IPEP) CIF INDIA
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A key activity for CIF-INDIA is to organise International Professional Exchange Programs (IPEPs) inviting international participants from various countries all over the world.​ The IPEPs-INDIA combine practical and theoretical information about the social and cultural environment of the Indian setting.
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An IPEP is the golden opportunity for professionals of social work, social welfare, and human services field/related fields, young and experienced across globe to visit India and meet with fellow professionals from around the world.
This program provides the chance to exchange with professionals around the world throughout your entire professional career.
