Dr. Kumar Mahesh, IAS, is Secretary, Department of Art, Culture and Languages, Government of NCT of Delhi, and Managing Director, Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Delhi on Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in Fiscal Federalism with a comparative study of GST in India and Canada. He earned an LL.M. in Corporate Law from the London School of Economics, LL.B. University of Delhi, and an MBA in Public Service from the University of Birmingham. He has received numerous awards by Union government for his contributions to public service, including the First Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence and Innovation in Governance and Public Service Delivery, 2026 by Government of Delhi In his current role, he oversees programs aimed at preserving Delhi’s rich cultural legacy while fostering contemporary artistic expression. His work focuses on strengthening cultural institutions, encouraging public engagement with the arts, and creating platforms for artists, writers, and performers. Known for his strategic approach to governance, Dr. Kumar Mahesh continues to contribute to the growth of Delhi’s vibrant cultural ecosystem through effective policy execution and institutional leadership.