We are a safehouse at sea.
Follow the light,
and the bigger picture, you’ll see.
Ride the waves to shore,
so, you remember what you know
By earth we are united,
By land we are surrounded,
And the only way of life
is to stay grounded.
Astrum is India’s first research-based strategic communications consulting firm that helps clients successfully negotiate the complex landscape of Reputation, Risk, Regulation & ESG. Our programmes are rooted in the Science of Persuasion, a unique approach that combines data science, social science and neuroscience, help our clients understand and shape public opinion ethically.
Astrum is the next progression of public relations. Founded in 2015 by Ashwani Singla, with the belief that “deep insights are often the fountainhead of breakthrough thinking and data supported decisions have a greater probability of success”, Astrum is a pioneer of this convergence of science and creativity.
A work ethic founded on ownership and accountability to solve our clients’ toughest challenges. Our team of multi-disciplinary professionals apply their collective acumen to help our C-Suite sustain their reputation and license to operate. Applying the same principles of insights-led thinking, we advise political leaders to win the mandate of their voters.
Astrum is consistently ranked among top strategic communications consulting firms in India and counted amongst most respected by leading industry outlets. Our services include Bespoke Market Research, 3i Multi-Disciplinary Strategic Communication Programmes, Policy Advocacy, Crisis Preparedness Planning, Crisis Communications, ESG Consulting and Election Strategy. Our C-Suite workshops include Message Development, Media Training, Crisis Preparedness.
We serve clients through our presence in the NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore and reach sixty cities and towns in all major states of India and hundred cities across thirty countries in five continents across the globe through our network of exclusive affiliates and exclusive affiliates.
Our bespoke research generates WinningKnowledge™ to help you stand apart from your peers
Our multi-disciplinary programmes deliver results that matter to you
Our work ethic of ownership and accountability
We don’t just advise, we take ownership. Our work ethic is rooted in ownership and accountability, whether it is building public trust during a crisis or creating preference, or driving change through policy advocacy or enshrining ESG practices to strengthen long-term sustainability of your business and reputation, we work with you to solve some of your toughest challenges.
Our multi-disciplinary team of communicators, ESG specialists, media professionals, opinion researchers, digital strategists, and policy advocates, work together to develop bespoke campaigns using our 3i Principle to deliver the results that matter to you.
We apply data-driven insights to develop the WinningKnowledge you need to win.
Using the insights, we develop breakthrough ideas that form the heart of your campaign.
We use the ideas to execute and deliver real results that matter to you.
The five guiding principles form the foundation of every client engagement, whether we are helping corporates, brands, or political leaders in India navigate complex reputation challenges. Our North Star ensures that we don’t lose our way to do what is right and to do the right way.
Five Guiding Principles
We remain steadfast in delivering science-based, ethical communications, helping leaders and organisations build enduring acceptance and public trust.
Sunil serves as the Chairman of Astrum, bringing a wealth of experience in growing businesses, cultivating enduring brands, and fostering organisational culture. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Sunil has consistently delivered business profitability, established market leadership, and enhanced employee engagement across renowned organisations such as MTV, SONY, Times Television Network, Indya.com, HMV, Diageo, Balaji Telefilms, JWT, GREY Group, and BARC.
Drawing on his profound insights into the Indian consumer landscape, Sunil offers invaluable guidance to Boards of Directors, C-suite executives, and startup founders, aiding them in building successful, high-performance organisations. A certified board member by the Institute of Directors (IOD), Sunil currently serves on multiple advisory boards, enriching them with his vast experience and expertise.
Nalini is a seasoned public relations and strategic communications professional with over 17 years of industry experience, specializing in corporate brand management and multi-disciplinary communications.
Known for her expertise in storytelling, reputation management, and results-driven communication, Nalini has led successful campaigns and media strategies across a wide range of sectors including finance, technology, lifestyle, entertainment, healthcare, aviation, hospitality, heavy industries, and start-ups. Her work spans both proactive brand-building initiatives and high-stakes crisis communication.
She holds a Master’s degree in Mass communications from Apeejay Institute of Mass communications, New Delhi and a Bachelor’s in Computer Applications.
As a key member of the leadership team, Kanika oversees financial management, compliance, and strategic partnerships, focusing on enhancing productivity and transparency. She has in-depth knowledge of managing financial operations for leading professional services.
She is a qualified Chartered Accountant with a B. Com (Honours) degree from the University of Delhi. Kanika’s commitment to implementing best practices ensures Astrum delivers the most relevant services to clients efficiently and ethically.
Sharada is the Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of Astrum and leads the evidence-based consulting practice, translating complex data into WinningKnowledge that empowers clients to strengthen reputation, pre-empt reputation risks, and build competitive advantage. She has nearly two decades of expertise in market research, public policy research, crisis preparedness and social impact, she has led high-impact studies for multinational corporations, domestic enterprises, and leading political parties.
An Economics (Honours) graduate with a master’s degree in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics, Sharada also holds executive certifications in Public Policy Analysis from the London School of Economics, UK, and in Transformational Leadership from XLRI Jamshedpur.
Aditya has nearly a decade of experience in ESG consulting Transformation and Communications. He began his career with a multi-year stint in the office of the Sh. Piyush Goyal, a senior minister in the cabinet of Prime Minister Modi and subsequently in PwC and ERM, as a part of their ESG consulting practice.
Aditya excels in collaborating with his clients to initiate ESG transformation and integrate ESG strategy into business outcomes. He is also experienced in developing impact assessment reports highlighting value creation across People, Planet, and Profit.
Aditya holds an M.A. (Economics and Geography) from the University of Aberdeen and an M.Sc. Environmental Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Ashwani is the Founding Managing Partner of Astrum. He has converted his passion for generating proprietary insights to inform strategy and messaging as the bedrock of his work. Considered amongst the most influential voices in the industry, he is a sought-after trusted advisor and strategist by both the C-Suite and Political leaders.
Before founding Astrum, Ashwani was the Asia MD of PSB Research and the CEO Co-Promoter of Genesis Burson-Marsteller (Burson). He is the Founder and Executive Director of Impact Research & Measurement, India’s media intelligence & measurement leader. He serves on the global executive board of IPRN, the largest independent PR agency network as well as the advisory boards of several companies and Not-for-Profits.
Pragati is a Partner at Astrum, where she leads the execution of strategic communication solutions and advocacy programs for clients navigating reputation, policy, and stakeholder challenges. With more than 15 years of experience, she is a go-to counsellor known for resolving high-stakes problems and steering organisations through crises with precision under tight deadlines. Pragati has successfully engaged CXOs, policymakers, and industry leaders, helping clients address complex issues at the intersection of business, society, and governance.
A Microbiology graduate with an MBA in Communication Management from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune, Pragati combines analytical depth with creative execution. Her strong interest in climate change and sustainable development further strengthens her ability to help organisations communicate responsibly, building trust and credibility in today’s fast-evolving environment.
Dilip is the former Secretary General of FICCI and the current Chairman of the Bharat Web3 Association(BWA). He is also the Chairperson of the Governing Body Lady Irwin College and Adviser to Indian Battery Swapping Association. He is the founder of DC Skills, advising on scale, sustainability, strategy, and skills development.
With over 40 years of experience, he has led key industry bodies and significantly contributed to policy and skill development. Dilip was the founding Managing Director and CEO of NSDC and has held leadership roles at SIAM and CII. He holds an Honours Degree in Chemistry, an MBA, and a certificate in Negotiation and Mediation.
Prof. Gowda is a former Member of Parliament, who has also been Chairperson of the Centre for Public Policy, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and Director, Reserve Bank of India. He has a PhD in Public Policy and Management from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and was a John M.
Olin Postdoctoral Fellow in Law and Economics at the University of California, Berkeley. With a career in academia and policymaking spanning over three decades in India and the USA, he is an influential intellectual voice in economics and public policy.
Mr. Iyer has handled assignments of increasing responsibilities and influence over a span of 4+ decades in Pharmaceuticals, Biologicals, Animal Health, Consumer Healthcare & Strategic M&A. He steered Wyeth in India, a subsidiary of Wyeth USA, for over 10 years as its Managing Director. Since 2010 he has been in consulting role in life sciences and has been a leading voice of the industry. He has to his credit several alliances and M&A deals which he spearheaded.
Sh. Mishra is an accomplished public servant with extensive experience in the Indian government. As the former Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, he shaped India’s climate change policies and improved air quality. He represented India at international forums, including the UNFCCC and the Montreal Protocol.
Previously, he served as Secretary of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, leading major public health initiatives and temporarily overseeing the Ministry of AYUSH. He is recognized for his contributions to public health, notably spearheading ‘Mission Indradhanush,’ India’s largest child immunization campaign.
Mr. Sharma, former Chairman of ONGC is a leader in India’s energy sector, serving on top boards and advising on policy, governance, and ESG. He drives India’s energy and policy landscape as advisor, director, and industry leader in hydrocarbons and governance.
He also served as Chairman of ONGC Videsh Ltd, MRPL, and five other ONGC Group companies. With decades of experience, Mr. Sharma has been instrumental in shaping India’s oil & gas industry, earning multiple awards for leadership and excellence.
He has previously held board and advisory roles with leading organisations including IndusInd Bank, SAIL, Avendus Capital, DFCCIL, and others. Recognised for integrity and vision, Mr. Sharma continues to contribute to policy, governance, and industry transformation in India and beyond.
Mr. Shrivastava, former CMD of BSNL, led India’s telecom giant through disruption, driving profitability, major telecom projects, and global initiatives. A seasoned telecom expert with 38+ years of experience, he has guided BharatNet, defence communications, rural connectivity projects, and represented India at leading international forums.
During one of the most disruptive phases in Indian telecom—marked by the rise of Jio and the exit of multiple operators, he steered BSNL back to operational profit for three consecutive years (2015–2017), a feat recognised by the Hon’ble Prime Minister and noted in Parliament. Renowned for financial acumen and crisis management, he has overseen projects worth over ₹100,000 crore, earning national and global accolades for leadership and vision.
