Mr Surendra Narayan had a distinguished career and retired after serving as the Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes and the Settlement Commission; to become the International Vice President of the Theosophical Society. He has a law degree from Harvard University and has been a serious student of the human condition and ways to bring about peace and moral progress in the world.

Mr A. K. Venkatsubramanian is a retired IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu government. He is currently the Convener of Citizens Action Network — a group of NCOS — seeking to enlighten and empower the public on civic issues.

Mr David Annoussamy is a retired judge of the High Court of Madras and lives in Pondicherry.

Mr Carlos G. Valles is an ordained priest in the Society of Jesus, and worked for many years as professor of mathematics in St Xavier's College, Ahmedabad. Retired now from his university chair, he has turned to writing in English and Spanish, and also gives courses on Oriental Spirituality in India and abroad.

Ms Vandana Shiva is a prolific writer on environmentel issues especially those areas concerning the farming community. She is the author of Protect or Plunder? by Zed Books.