Madhu Sarin, an architect and writer, has done her post graduate diploma in Tropical Studies from the Architectural Association, London. This course was later renamed as the Post Graduate Diploma in Tropical Studies. She also holds a Bachelors degree in agriculture from Punjab University. Madhu Sarin is the member of the Planning Commission Working Group on Forests for the 11th Five Year Plan. She is also a member of the Planning Commission Task Force on Social and Economic Aspects of Conservation and Restoration for the Environment and Forests Sector for the 11th Five Year Plan. She has served as a member of various task forces and expert committees of the Government of India and the Planning Commission during the past 20 years. She has also been responsible for the development and dissemination of an improved mud stove known as Nada Chulha (after the women of Nada village who were active participants in its development). The stove received considerable acclaim leading to the subsequent Cookstove in India project. She has been a part of the Advisory Group on the Forest Rights Act and supports many human rights approaches in the country.