Our leadership
Rudrani Chhetri
Founder MemberFounder & Managing Trustee
Building platforms where transgender people lead.
Meet our founder
Two decades of community leadership
Rudrani Chhetri is a transgender rights advocate, community leader, entrepreneur, actor, and model with over two decades of experience in HIV/AIDS, gender, sexuality, health, human rights, and social inclusion.
- Co-founded Mitr Trust
- 2005
- In community development
- 20+ years
- Founded this modelling agency
- BOLD
About Rudrani Chhetri
Founding Mitr Trust
Rudrani Chhetri is a pioneering transgender community leader and one of the founding members of Mitr Trust, established in 2005. Her work has focused on advancing the rights, dignity, health, and social inclusion of transgender persons, hijra communities, and other marginalised populations.
Two decades of experience
With more than 20 years of experience in community development, HIV/AIDS programming, gender equality, health, and human rights, Rudrani has contributed to initiatives that strengthen community participation, improve access to healthcare, and create opportunities for education, shelter, and sustainable livelihoods.
Programmes for the community
Through her leadership at Mitr Trust, she has supported the development and implementation of community-based programmes, including HIV prevention and care, gender-affirming healthcare, transgender shelter services, skill development, and welfare access.
A national and global voice
She has represented transgender key affected populations in national and international health-related platforms, including engagement associated with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. She has also contributed to collective advocacy and community representation through her involvement with the INFOSEM India network.
Entrepreneur and founder of BOLD
As an entrepreneur, Rudrani founded BOLD, a transgender-focused modelling agency, creating opportunities for transgender individuals in fashion, modelling, media, and representation.
Building what lasts
Her work reflects a commitment to building institutions and platforms where transgender people can exercise leadership, access opportunities, and participate fully in society.
Message from Board members and Leadership
A society becomes truly inclusive when every individual has the freedom to live with dignity, access opportunities, and participate equally. At Mitr Trust, we believe that the community must be at the centre of every decision, every programme, and every effort towards change.
Board of Trustees
Monu
Board memberTrustee
Pari
Board memberTrustee
Sunny
Board memberTrustee
Yyyy
Board memberTrustee
Moments from her journey
Award from Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta 
Speaking on mental wellness 
Honoured for community-led monitoring 
Pride Month portrait
Listen and watch
Podcasts and conversations
Padhaku Nitin, Aaj Tak Radio
LGBTQ+ Community की History, Transgenders की पहचान और Pride Month के बाद की कोशिशें
A conversation on the history of the LGBTQ+ community, transgender identity, and the work that continues after Pride Month.
Social Baatchit by SocialAngel
Why Am I Being Asked to Prove My Identity?
Rudrani Chhetri on what it means to be asked to prove who you are.
Be a Part of the Change
By supporting Mitr Trust, you can contribute to community-led initiatives that promote dignity, safety, health, and social inclusion.