Tilak is a seasoned development finance and rural livelihoods professional with over three decades of experience in banking, financial inclusion and agri-business development. During his distinguished career with the State Bank of India, he held several leadership positions before retiring as Deputy General Manager and Head of Agri-business for the North Eastern Circle.

His professional interests span financial inclusion, rural enterprise development, value chain strengthening and organic agriculture. He was part of a Reserve Bank of India delegation that visited the Netherlands and Germany to study organic farming, dairy systems and value chain development, experiences that further shaped his understanding of sustainable rural economies.

Since retirement, he has continued to contribute to the development sector as an A1-Grade National Resource Person on Financial Inclusion with the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. He also serves as Senior Consultant with NEDFi, advising on financial inclusion, agri-business, value chains and organic farming across the North East region.

An Accredited Mentor under City & Guilds London and Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST), Tilak brings a valuable combination of banking expertise, development insight and international exposure to the work of GRINS.