Expect to hear from grassroots changemakers, frontline climate activists, social entrepreneurs, and rural visionaries who aren’t just talking about a better world- they’re actually building it. From keynotes to interactive panels, our speakers will share real-world solutions, spark debates, and answer your burning questions.
Raj Mariwala
Raj Mariwala
Designation: Director, Mariwala Health Initiative (MHI)
Bio: Leading advocacy efforts to make mental health care accessible to underrepresented communities, with a dedicated focus on youth and marginalized populations.
Panel: Mental Health Equity & Access
Date & Time: Friday, Oct 2 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Dr. Vaishali Sonavane
Dr. Vaishali Sonavane
Designation: Grants Manager, Mariwala Health Initiative
Bio: senior impact and systems leader with 25 years of experience across grants governance, CSR strategy, foundation program leadership, monitoring and evaluation, institutional partnerships, advocacy coordination, and cross-sector program design in India
Panel: Mental Health Equity & Access
Date & Time: Friday, Oct 2 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Rukmini Dhanlobhe
Rukmini Dhanlobhe
Designation: Program Manager, ‘The Banyan’
Bio: Leader of Nalam Project, a community-based initiative dedicated to improving mental health outcomes among tribal communities.
Panel: Mental Health Equity & Access
Date & Time: Friday, Oct 2 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Prof. M. Sivakami
Prof. M. Sivakami
Bio: Senior researcher specializing in public health, demographic studies, and the critical intersections of gender equity and healthcare.
Designation: Professor & Researcher, TISS
Panel: Gender, Health Inequities & Community Well-being
Date & Time: Friday, Oct 2 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Bela Sanghvi
Bela Sanghvi
Designation: Founder, ‘Purnakala’, Textile Revivalist & Sustainable Fashion Pioneer
Bio: Leading advocacy efforts to make mental health care accessible to underrepresented communities, with a dedicated focus on youth and marginalized populations.
Panel: Sustainable Textiles & The Future of Indian Fashion
Date & Time: Friday, Oct 2 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Rukmini Dhanlobhe
Rukmini Dhanlobhe
Designation: Leader, Nalam Project
Bio: Grassroots leader driving community-based mental health programs across tribal regions, committed to ethical practices and child rights.
Panel: Tribal Health Rights & Grassroots Care
Date & Time: Friday, Oct 2 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Name: Raj Mariwala
Designation: Director, Mariwala Health Initiative (MHI)
Bio: Leading advocacy efforts to make mental health care accessible to underrepresented communities, with a dedicated focus on youth and marginalized populations.
SESSION DETAILS
Panel: Mental Health Equity & Access
Cloth Dyeing: The Art of Traditional Bandhani
The Experience: Master traditional tie-dyeing and natural fabric coloring under the guidance of master artisans.
The Story: Derived from the word Bandh (to bind), traditional hand-dyed textiles carry rich histories. Learn the intricate techniques that give these fabrics their timeless value and color your own cloth to take home.
Heritage Pottery: Crafting from the Earth
The Experience: Feel the clay take shape as you learn traditional wheel-throwing from master potters.
The Story: Pottery is one of humanity’s oldest crafts—dating back 30,000 years! Step away from modern screens, get your hands on the wheel, and discover why this ancient craft is becoming the ultimate modern mindfulness hobby.
Artisan Carpentry: Wood as Your Canvas
The Story: The Yusuf Meherally Centre is a hub for sustainable wooden artistry that empowers rural youth. Gain a rare glimpse into wood crafting and see how sustainable timber transforms into beautiful home decor.
Natural Soap & Shampoo Making: Ancient Wellness
The Experience: Learn to formulate skin-friendly, chemical-free soaps and hair cleansers using natural botanical ingredients.
The Story: Did you know the word shampoo comes from the Indian word Champo? Natural body care is rooted in Indian heritage and supports thriving rural economies. Make a custom soap bar that’s gentle on your skin and the planet.
Permaculture & Food Science: Farming with Nature
The Experience: Tour real-world permaculture setups and learn actionable techniques for sustainable, climate-resilient food production.
The Story: Permaculture mimics natural ecosystems to grow food without depleting the soil. See firsthand how grassroots innovation is solving modern food challenges right here on YMC’s campus.
Christopher L Morgan
Alexander J Carter
Jonathan B Reed
Dominic R Lewis
