Janak Palta McGilligan, was born in a Punjabi family and grew up in Chandigarh.[3] She secured a master's degree (MA) in English literature, political science, Sangeet Visharad in Sitar, an MPhil in political science with distinction, and a Ph.D.[4] During and after her studies, she worked at various places such as the Provident Fund office, at the High Court and at the Centre for Rural and Industrial Development.[3] She married James McGilligan, an Irishman, and they served and developed Barli Development Institute for Rural Women as Baha'i pioneers.[3]
Janak Palta was director of this institute for 26 years from the day of its establishment 1 June 1985 until she took retirement on 16 April 2011.
Janak Palta McGilligan is the founder-director of the board of directors of the Barli Development Institute For Rural Women and continues to serve as one of the directors of the board of the institute.
Jimmy McGilligan Centre For Sustainable Development
She has been serving as a director of the Jimmy McGilligan Centre For Sustainable Development.
Other institutions
She is a global advisor (member of the advisory board of Solar Cookers International in Sacramento, Cal.
Co-founder of Jaivik Setu in Indore.
She is an honorary secretary of Sangini Cancer Care society Indore, dedicated to breast cancer patients since 2007.
Has been member of management board of Chitrakoot University. Has also been associated with UNICEF as resource person for the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development[4] IIM Indore, IIT BHU, Prestige Institute of Management Indore, Indus World School, Choithram International School, Pragya Girls School, MGM Medical College, Indore Dental College and Hospital.
