Member Profiles [aikyam workshops] Awaaz Leadership Lab Residency 2.0 All on this list staying and workshopping at aikyam space from Nov 3, 2025 till Nov 6th, 2025 Awaaz Leadership labs:  Instagram | Linkedin Rohit Sharma Founder, Awaaz Leadership Labs and Law Firm Ready Linkedin Rohit is a law graduate from the National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS), Kolkata. He has mentored over 10,000 law students and is a researcher at Harvard University’s Lakshmi Mittal South Asian Institute, studying the history of punishment in India. His work champions democratizing socio-legal discourse in regional languages. Gatha G N Chief Programme Officer, Awaaz Leadership Labs Linkedin Gatha has worked with the Centre for Social Justice for 5 years, where her work focused on strengthening legal aid systems for marginalised communities. She anchored the legal empowerment and capacity building initiatives of paralegals, lawyers, and other CSOs. from the communities. She also lead the organisation's Social Justice Lawyering Program for young lawyers in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Jharkhand where she handled case work and designed policy interventions to address systemic challenges informed by grassroots realities. She now works as the Chief Programme Officer at Awaaz Leadership Labs. Sankalp Srivastava Programme Coordinator, Varta Varan (Climate Justice initiative) Linkedin Sankalp Srivastava is a law graduate who works at Varta Varan (the Climate Justice initiative of Awaaz Leadership Labs). He also has an interest in Legal-Tech and Music Production, having operated as a self-starter on projects in both these fields. He founded Schematise LDA to explore the nuances of Legal Data and build Free and Open-Source Software.  Gauri Mishra Programme Coordinator, Awaaz Leadership labs Linkedin Gauri is a law graduate and a graphic designer passionate about using creativity to make law more accessible and relatable. Himani Baid Chief Design Officer, Law Firm Ready Linkedin Himani Baid is a law graduate with a passion for making the legal field more accessible and user-friendly. She combines her legal education with creative skills in legal and graphic design to make complex information clear and engaging. Her main area of interest is Alternative Dispute Resolution, especially mediation. She has worked with TEDx Pandri, Socio-Legal Corp, and Iuris Jura to promote innovation and positive change in the legal community. Dimple Singh Co-founder, COHAS (Community of Hope and Support) Linkedin Dimple Singh is a law graduate from Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan. She is the co-founder of COHAS (Community of Hope and Support) an initiative that focuses on art based learning pedagogical approach and emphasizes on constitutional values. She has experience in pro bono lawyering and has worked with organisations working in the field of child rights and women rights. She is working with Awaaz in Justice Innovation 101 as a facilitator. Tammanna Aurora Founder, temp.mag and SOCH Linkedin Tammanna is an independent researcher and curator working on narrative-building projects at the intersection of ecology, digital technologies, law, and justice. Her work explores the role of qualitative data, stories, and lived experience in decision-making within formal legal and policy frameworks. She leads the SOCH Fellowship for Law Students (developed in collaboration with Awaaz Leadership Labs), co-curates When The Earth Testifies with Agami, and is building temp.mag, an interdisciplinary research + media studio. Climate Circle Residency 2.0 Ramesh & Arunabha team will be staying at aikyam space from Nov 3, 2025 till Nov 5th, 2025 J.B. Ramesh J.B. Ramesh, a Jenu Kuruba tribesman, dreamt of preserving his people's traditional music and art. He founded the "Girijana Samagra Abhivridhi Kala Samsthe" to inspire younger generations to carry on the cultural traditions. In 2024, Ramesh performed at the prestigious Mahindra Percussion Festival. Arunabha Bhattacharya Asia Lead – Networks & Ecosystems at Practical Action Arunabha Bhattacharya is a systems orchestrator and fundraiser with Practical Action, working across Asia to build collaborative ecosystems for climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and urban inclusion. At the intersection of technology, philanthropy, and systems change, he helps connect funders, Academic Institutions governments, businesses, and communities to design solutions that are practical, equitable, and scalable. An alumnus of the Goa Institute of Management, he continues to champion human-centred innovation and partnerships that turn ideas into long-term social impact. All (2-3 are yet to confirm fully) on this list below workshopping with Ignite Foundation at aikyam space on Nov 4th, 2025  Jaseel C K Co-founder, The Ignite Foundation | Director, Social Innovation and Learning Experience Design Jaseel C K is a social entrepreneur and educator passionate about enabling young people to solve pressing social and environmental challenges. At The Ignite Foundation, he leads Social Entrepreneurship Education and Learning Experience Design, shaping programs that connect innovation with sustainability and climate action.   A graduate of TKM College of Engineering and TISS (Master’s in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship), Jaseel is UGC-NET qualified in Social Work, Management, and Adult Education. His work focuses on equipping changemakers to design climate-conscious, community-driven solutions that address inequality and ecological resilience. Naji Mahfood Co-founder, The Ignite Foundation | Director, Changemakers Ashram Naji Mahfood is a social changemaker and community builder dedicated to nurturing youth-led initiatives for sustainability and social transformation. As Director of Changemakers Ashram under The Ignite Foundation, he leads a living-learning space that incubates alumni and local changemakers working on climate action, environmental conservation, and community wellbeing.   Rooted in the belief that inner change drives social impact, Naji blends mindfulness, collaboration, and experiential learning to enable individuals to co-create solutions for a just and sustainable future. Noufal Mahboob Founder, Broadway Communication | Lead, Local Sustainable Living Noufal Mahboob leads Broadway Communication, a Kerala-based creative agency that bridges culture, communication, and conscious living. He also leads Local Sustainable Living, an evolving community initiative that connects people, craft, and sustainability through experiences and local collaborations. Driven by the belief that meaningful change begins quietly and locally, his work explores the balance between creativity, culture, and sustainability—encouraging people to reconnect with nature and each other. Mujeeb Latheef Filmmaker | Co-founder, Local Sustainable Living Mujeeb Latheef is an ad filmmaker and storyteller passionate about bringing sustainability to life throughpp art and community-driven experiences. As co-founder of Local Sustainable Living, he uses creative storytelling to celebrate people, places, and purpose. Rooted in mindful living and collaboration, Mujeeb explores how films, festivals, and shared spaces can inspire collective change and reconnect us with the living world Tony Jose K Senior Manager, Udhyam Learning Foundation Development professional with experience across various nonprofits and government sectors in Kerala, Tamil Nadu (TN), and Delhi. Organisations worked - Kudumbashree, ACCORD, UNDP, DAY NRLM. Currently working with Udhyam Learning Foundation based out of Kerala. Have worked in Livelihood, Microfinance and Education sectors Dr Manju Vasudevan Founder, Forest Post Dr Manju Vasudevan spent the first years of her career carrying out ecological research in the Western Ghats and other parts of India with organisations such as ATREE, FES and Keystone Foundation. She holds a PhD in Pollination Ecology from Imperial College London. She was a Fulbright Nehru post-doctoral Fellow (2014) at the University of California Santa Barbara. She is currently one of the Trustees of River Research Centre, Kerala, and consults with grassroots NGOs and conservation groups across the country. She is the 2021 recipient of the Duleep Matthhai Nature Conservation Fellowship.   More recently, her work has focussed on helping assert Community Forest Rights of forest-dwelling Adivasis in central Kerala. Using the cooperative model of enterprise building, women's groups have been trained in value addition of minor forest products, and local economies strengthened. The work demonstrates that Adivasis can find secure livelihoods close to their ancestral domain without jeopardizing the future of the forests and can take on stewardship roles in conservation. She is Founder of Forest Post, a brand that creates market linkages for value-added forest produce from these villages. Shemeer Babu Co-founder, aikyamhq 15+ years of diversified experience with expertise in leadership, team building, entrepreneurship, design thinking and technology for social good. He has worked with organizations like Amnesty International, Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives. Served as a Mozilla Tech & Society Fellow. Moosa Mehar Co-Founder and CEO of TinkerHub Foundation Moosa Mehar is driven by a simple yet powerful belief: technology should open doors — not create barriers. Based in Kerala, he has dedicated himself to nurturing young makers, building communities that tinker, learn and innovate together. Under his leadership, TinkerHub has grown from a student-led initiative into a full-fledged foundation that empowers learners in emerging tech and open-source culture. Jaisree Kumar Founder, Totem Resource Centre | Social Development Leader | Community Educator Jaisree Kumar is a passionate social development leader and educator, and the founder of the Totem Resource Centre, an organisation empowering marginalized communities through education, culture, and sustainable development. His work reflects a strong commitment to social justice, inclusion, and community-driven change.   At Totem, he bridges traditional knowledge with modern learning, creating inclusive spaces for children, women, youth, and tribal communities to learn, preserve cultural identity, and achieve self-reliance. His initiatives use education and culture as tools for empowerment and sustainability.   His key contributions include establishing experiential community learning programs for rural and tribal children, advancing women’s livelihoods and economic independence, preserving indigenous knowledge systems, and mentoring grassroots leaders. He also mobilizes community resources and partnerships to ensure lasting social impact. Thajudeen Aboobaker Co-Founder, Urban Trash | Waste-Tech Entrepreneur | Circular Economy Leader Thajudeen Aboobaker is the Co-Founder of Urban Trash, a pioneering waste-tech enterprise based in Kochi, Kerala, driving innovation in waste management through circular economy principles and community participation. Since co-founding Urban Trash in 2022, he has guided its growth into a B2B waste aggregation and management platform serving businesses, communities, and local governments.   Blending technology with sustainability, Thajudeen transforms waste challenges into opportunities for environmental resilience and social impact. Under his leadership, Urban Trash has introduced tech-enabled systems for waste collection, sorting, and value recovery, while partnering with institutions and government initiatives to promote behavioural change and inclusive waste solutions.   Rooted in Kerala’s urban and peri-urban contexts, he has scaled Urban Trash from humble beginnings into a model of sustainable enterprise—creating livelihoods and inspiring a new generation of innovators in circular economy and waste-tech leadership. Akhina Mohan Sustainability Educator | Climate Communicator | Community Mobilizer Akhina Mohan is a sustainability educator and development professional committed to fostering climate-conscious communities through learning, facilitation, and dialogue. With a background in Environmental Science and extensive experience in education, she works across Kerala and beyond to advance environmental stewardship, circular economy practices, and ecological well-being.   Her work bridges research, storytelling, and participatory learning—making complex climate ideas accessible and actionable for schools, youth groups, NGOs, and community networks. Akhina designs reflective learning spaces that inspire awareness, empathy, and collective action toward sustainability.   Her key contributions include leading workshops on climate and sustainability education, facilitating community dialogues rooted in climate justice, promoting zero-waste practices, and mobilizing youth for local climate action. With an intersectional and systems-thinking approach, she continues to shape transformative educational pathways for a resilient, sustainable future. Gautham Co-Founder, Fireflies | Systems Thinker | Community Strategist Gautham is the co-founder of Fireflies, a systems-thinking learning community that cultivates youth leadership and imagination for just and regenerative futures. With a background in engineering and experience in facilitation, organizational development, and social innovation, he creates spaces for young people to reflect, unlearn, and reimagine their role in ecological and social transformation.   His work integrates strategy, learning design, and grassroots engagement—bringing together communities, collectives, and educators to rethink sustainability and systems change from the ground up.   Through Fireflies, Gautham has co-created values-based learning ecosystems centered on reflection, dialogue, and collaboration. He facilitates programs on ecological literacy and systems thinking, mentors grassroots leaders, and partners with schools, NGOs, and fellowships to build non-institutional, climate-resilient learning pathways. Advocating for slow learning and deep community connection, he continues to shape holistic approaches to education and regeneration. Sonal Kuruvilla Co-Founder, Nayaneethi Policy Collective (NPoC) | Policy Strategist | Advocate for Justice & Governance Sonal Kuruvilla is a policy consultant and social strategist, and the co-founder of the Nayaneethi Policy Collective (NPoC)—an initiative advancing education reform, governance innovation, and social equity. Guided by a commitment to participatory governance and systemic change, she works at the intersection of policy design, community engagement, and institutional transformation to foster climate-resilient and inclusive development.   Through NPoC, Sonal has co-created evidence-based policy initiatives that strengthen youth leadership, governance capacity, and education systems. Her work integrates social justice, sustainability, and inclusion into policy and curriculum frameworks while facilitating dialogue among governments, institutions, and communities to drive reform.   Applying a justice-centered approach to climate and social systems, Sonal empowers young changemakers and organisations to adopt reflective, adaptive strategies that promote equity, transparency, and long-term systemic resilience. Anish T. Thomas Social Worker | Climate Leader | Researcher in Human–Wildlife Coexistence Anish T. Thomas is a social worker and emerging climate leader dedicated to promoting human–wildlife coexistence and sustainable community development. A postgraduate in Social Work from the Central University of Karnataka (2021–2023), he explores how climate change intensifies human–wildlife conflicts and affects agricultural livelihoods in rural Kerala.   Blending research with community engagement, Anish practices green social work, placing local knowledge and participatory approaches at the center of conservation and climate resilience efforts.   His key contributions include pioneering research on the impact of human–wildlife conflict on farming communities in Pathanamthitta, facilitating participatory rural development programs, and promoting eco-friendly agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Through education and youth outreach, he fosters climate awareness and encourages collective responsibility toward sustainable living and ecological harmony. Abshana Jamal Doctoral Scholar (SRF), Rajagiri College of Social Sciences | Eco-Social Work Researcher | Sustainable Agri-Food Systems Advocate | Team Finland Knowledge Fellow | Climate Leadership Programme Fellow Abshana Jamal is a researcher and eco-social work scholar pursuing her PhD at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Kochi. With a Master’s in Social Work specializing in rural and urban community development, she focuses on sustainable agri-food systems, climate action, and the circular economy, advocating for models that harmonize human livelihoods with ecological balance.   As a Team Finland Knowledge Programme Fellow and Climate Leadership Fellow at the Sustera Foundation, Abshana collaborates on international initiatives addressing sustainability, crisis preparedness, and grassroots climate advocacy. Her projects—such as Rewild: Building Community Fruit Forest in North Paravur—reflect her commitment to participatory ecological restoration and community-led resilience.   Through her research, writing, and field practice, Abshana bridges academia, sustainability, and social transformation. She continues to build collaborative networks that empower communities and institutions to advance inclusive, resilient, and ecologically responsible development. Syama Praveen Executive Member, CLAN | Climate Leadership Programme Fellow | Community Representative, Kumbalangi | Sustainable Development Advocate Syama Praveen is a climate action volunteer and community leader from Kumbalangi, Kerala’s first model tourism village, with over three years of active involvement in the climate sector. Passionate about community resilience, she focuses on empowering flood-prone coastal areas through sustainable and locally driven solutions.   In collaboration with Ignotech, Syama led a data-driven project mapping flood impacts across Kumbalangi households—helping shape informed local climate planning. As a Volunteer with the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), she contributed to installing solar-powered streetlights and transforming a government school classroom into a smart classroom, promoting both clean energy and education.   A Climate Leadership Programme Fellow under the Sustera Foundation and Executive Member of CLAN (Climate Leadership Alumni Network), Syama continues to champion grassroots climate initiatives. She actively represents her community in national climate forums, including a seminar hosted by TISS Mumbai, advocating for resilient and inclusive climate solutions for her tidal flood-affected region. hello @ aikyam Mujeeb Latheef Filmmaker | Co-founder, Local Sustainable Living Mujeeb Latheef is an ad filmmaker and storyteller passionate about bringing sustainability to life throughpp art and community-driven experiences. As co-founder of Local Sustainable Living, he uses creative storytelling to celebrate people, places, and purpose. Rooted in mindful living and collaboration, Mujeeb explores how films, festivals, and shared spaces can inspire collective change and reconnect us with the living world Abdul Samad P. C. Government of India, he worked in Kasaragode on local development and skilling initiatives, gaining hands-on experience in project management, policy implementation, and stakeholder engagement.   He holds a Certification in Public Policy and Management from IIM Kozhikode, and master’s degrees in Development Studies and History. His work spans policy research, community development, capacity building, and leadership training, and he is widely known as a UPSC mentor, career coach, and growth architect who inspires young minds to think critically and act purposefully.   Earlier in his career, Abdul Samad taught at Saratha International Senior Secondary School in Erode and Akal Academy in Himachal Pradesh. Beyond work, he enjoys traveling, reading, and engaging in philosophical discussions, always exploring new ways to connect ideas with meaningful action. Noufal Mahboob Founder, Broadway Communication | Lead, Local Sustainable Living Noufal Mahboob leads Broadway Communication, a Kerala-based creative agency that bridges culture, communication, and conscious living. He also leads Local Sustainable Living, an evolving community initiative that connects people, craft, and sustainability through experiences and local collaborations. Driven by the belief that meaningful change begins quietly and locally, his work explores the balance between creativity, culture, and sustainability—encouraging people to reconnect with nature and each other. Adheena Ashfaque Adheena Ashfaque Currently working as a consultant at Tinkerhub, running community40 (Community 40 is a cross-disciplinary collective based in Kochi working at the intersections of heritage and culture. We build frameworks and activities that strengthen cultural awareness and plurality - through oral documentation, community events, and heritage walks.) Thampatty Madhusood Thampatty Madhusood is a researcher and grassroots activist from Kerala, engaged with questions of gender, sexuality, and caste in contemporary India. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology at IIT Madras, she draws from over a decade of involvement with social justice movements across Kerala, Mumbai, and Tamil Nadu, and her earlier engagement with the M.Phil. programme in Women’s Studies at Tata Institute of Socisl Sciences, Mumbai. Jayaraman Chillayil Jayaraman Chillayil is an expert in Behavioural Energy and Climate Change Communication, with over 28 years of industrial and academic experience. He served 25 years at BPCL Kochi Refinery, retiring as Senior Manager (Projects), and is a two-time Fulbright Fellow at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA. His work lies at the intersection of energy efficiency, sustainability leadership, and public sector transformation.   He is the Managing Director and Co-founder of Equinoct, where he leads strategic efforts on climate communication, resilience, and public engagement. He also serves as Technical Advisor to the Board of Public Sector Transformation, Government of Kerala; Chief Editor of Energy Efficiency Manager magazine; and Chief Advisor (Energy Efficiency & Management) at TeamSustain Ltd. Kadeeja Fidha I’m Kadeeja Fidha, a 21-year-old B.Com graduate, currently working as the Talent Management Lead at iLAB Innovation Laboratory and a Theatre of the Oppressed practitioner from the Sambhaavana Institute.   At iLAB, I dive into the beautiful chaos of people - designing experiences, mentoring young minds and shaping communities into spaces filled with creativity, connection, and growth. I'm building a brand called Urmi [urmi.store]. Passionate about digital platforms, I bring ideas to life through videography and photography. For me, it’s never just about chasing success - it’s about chasing impact. Amjad Anwar Program Officer, Asar | Sustainability & Climate Change Professional | Lawyer | Climate Policy Advocate Amjad Anwar is a sustainability and climate change professional with a strong grounding in law and policy, currently serving as a Program Officer at Asar. His work spans climate action, governance reform, and community-based development, operating at the intersection of legal research, policy advocacy, and sustainable systems design. Beginning his career at the Sustera Foundation, Amjad helped design and coordinate the Climate Leadership Program, training young leaders in climate adaptation and mitigation. He has since contributed to Kerala’s subnational climate strategies as a Consultant for State Climate Action, facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations and evidence-based policy frameworks.   Parallel to his professional work, he practices as an Advocate at the High Court of Kerala, integrating legal insight into environmental and social governance. Amjad’s expertise lies in translating climate and legal frameworks into actionable, community-driven initiatives. He continues to champion inclusive governance, youth leadership, and participatory policy design—advancing climate justice and sustainable development through collaboration and informed advocacy Anjali Krishnadas Mohiniyattam Practitioner | Cultural Researcher | Co-founder, Thudippu Dance Foundation Anjali Krishnadas is a Mohiniyattam practitioner, cultural researcher, and co-founder of Thudippu Dance Foundation, based in Kochi, Kerala, Women in Conflict 2023 Fellow (Beyond Borders Scotland, Edinburgh). Her work lies at the intersection of performance, pedagogy, and social inclusion, with a mission to create an accessible and inclusive space for the arts.   Since its founding in 2019, Thudippu has evolved into a centre for education, performance, and community engagement, impacting over 200 students and reaching diverse audiences through its cultural initiatives. Under Anjali’s leadership, the foundation has hosted over 100 public events, 60 performances and 25 educational workshops Her initiatives have also extended to workshops for transgender and Indigenous communities, and children with intellectual disabilities, promoting access and equity in the arts.   Anjali conceptualised and leads Friends of Thudippu, an ongoing initiative that curates marginalised art forms and artists, offering them visibility and continuity. She also mentors a team of 10 artists who sustain their livelihoods through teaching and creative performance at Thudippu.   Her choreographic work Otta is a dance-theatre production The piece has been performed across 20 major venues, including La La Land Festival (Amsterdam), NCPA Mumbai, Kerala Kalamandalam, and the International Dance Festival by Kerala Tourism.   A Women in Conflict 2023 Fellow (Beyond Borders Scotland, Edinburgh), Anjali continues to explore the relationship between art, identity, and peacebuilding through her research in folklore and performance traditions. She trains over 100 students in Mohiniyattam and develops movement-based curricula that nurture creativity, inclusivity, and critical dialogue. Rajeev Peethambaran   Rajeev Peethambaran has established an eponymous brand dedicated to reviving and reinterpreting Indian craft and textile traditions. His work highlights indigenous knowledge systems, hand-crafted processes, and sustainable material practices, while building meaningful collaborations with artisans and local communities.   Alongside his textile-based initiatives, Rajeev has developed a strong practice in alternative printing processes, particularly cyanotype and anthotype. Through these techniques, he explores the relationship between nature, time, and memory — creating visuals that honour organic forms, ecological rhythms, and the stories embedded within everyday environments.   Bridging design, craft, and experimental image-making, Rajeev continues to build a body of work rooted in care, culture, and storytelling.