Team HMBGRI
Dedicated to conserving native plant diversity through research and knowledge for the well-being of people and nature.
SGRF Trustees


Scientist In-Charge

Dr Anoop P. Balan
Senior Scientist, Plant Taxonomy & Conservation
Botanists

Anand Gopinath
Botanist & Content Manager

Dr. Rajilesh V K
Botanist
Naturalists

Arun Lal M
Naturalist Gr. B

Alagananda C R
Naturalist (Trainee)
Admin Staff

Admin Profile1

Admin Profile2
Project Fellows

Binu V Prakash
Project Fellow (RET)

Mr. Sam Santhosh
Trustee

Mrs. M R Balamani Amma
Trustee

Dr Anoop P. Balan
Senior Scientist, Plant Taxonomy & Conservation
Dr. Anoop P. Balan has over 15 years of research experience in Plant Taxonomy, flora documentation, and the conservation of threatened plant species. He has discovered several new plant species from the Western Ghats of India, and has authored one book and published more than 40 research papers in reputed national and international journals. He is a recognized expert in Indian Fabaceae and serves as a member of the International Legume Phylogeny Working Group (LPWG). Dr. Anoop is also one of the editors of the World Checklist of Vascular Plants – Fabaceae, a global initiative led by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. He is a highly regarded resource person in various Regional/National/International Seminars or Conferences conducted in related to Plant Taxonomy, and floristic diversity of Western Ghats.

Anand Gopinath
Botanist & Content Manager
With 5 years of experience in the field of forestry, agriculture specializing in genetics and microbial interactions with plants. Studied reproductive incompatibility of plantation trees during my tenure with Kerala Forest Research Institute and subsequently worked on microbial biopesticide formulations with Central Plantation Crops Research Institute. Authored 2 scientific papers in the above specialized areas. I was also associated with CGH earth experience hotels in sustainable landscaping and community based eco - tourism activities in Periyar Tiger Reserve. Marketing of environmental sustainability practices, community based programmes to guests. Worked as in-charge of the environmental and sustainable technology interpretation centre. The Centre’s responsibility included interpretation of sustainability practices, implementation of sustainable technologies. I was part of Joint Venture with Mathrubhoomi daily in developing online education modules for NEET, AIIMS aspirants (2011 - 2022). During this tenure had the opportunity to develop Dr. Flowers MCAT online prep modules in biochemistry and microbiology for Canadian audience (2011 - 2017).

Dr. Rajilesh V K
Botanist

Arun Lal M
Naturalist Gr. B

Alagananda C R
Naturalist (Trainee)

Admin Profile1

Admin Profile2

Binu V Prakash
Project Fellow (RET)