Sampath Kumar

Sampath Kumar is a visionary leader in the Indian Administrative Service, with over two decades of experience driving governance reforms and innovation. Currently leading Meghalaya's Early Childhood Development (ECD) Mission and Meghalaya Programme for Adolescent Wellbeing, Empowerment and Resilience (MPOWER), he is dedicated to reshaping the foundations of human development.

As the architect of the State Capability Enhancement Project (SCEP), now institutionalized as the Government Innovation Lab (GIL) in Meghalaya, Sampath has spearheaded holistic initiatives to address critical human development challenges like maternal and infant mortality, child immunization, and pandemic management. His leadership reflects a unique blend of strategic foresight, multisectoral convergence and grassroots empathy.

Sampath derives ideas and innovations from interactions with communities and immersive field visits, ensuring that governance solutions are deeply rooted in the lived realities of people. He is especially passionate about working with children, young people and their caregivers, believing in the transformative power of a nurturing approach to unlock human potential.
A Harvard Kennedy School alumnus, Sampath integrates global perspectives with deep respect for local contexts. Beyond his professional role, he finds inspiration in Meghalaya’s verdant hills, where he often walks to reflect and recharge.