Janak Palta McGilligan is an Indian Padma Shri recipient social worker and the founder-director of Jimmy McGilligan Centre For Sustainable Development, an Indore-based non governmental organisation working for sustainable community development.

[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] 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.

She is a global advisor (member of the advisory board of Solar Cookers International in Sacramento, Cal.

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.