Nishtha Desai is an Indian scholar who has worked towards improving conditions for children in Goa, India.
Desai has a Ph.D from Goa University where she researched Tristão de Bragança Cunha, a Goan nationalist and anti-colonial activist.
Desai worked with a children's organization in Goa which aims to improve their condition, and in 2012, she was the director. Desai raised awareness of tourism-related paedophilia, and the issues that arise because of limited punishment. She asked for tighter security in regards to this matter, and discussed gaps in the law.
Desai was awarded the Yashadamini Puraskar award by the Government of Goa in 2006 for her work. She received the Real Heroes Award from CNN-IBN and Reliance Industries in 2008. Desai was honoured by the Moneylife Foundation in 2012.