Lakshmi Pattabi Raman is an adoptive parent to a 13-year-old who believes deeply in the power of peer-led spaces to build and sustain mental well-being. She has worked across the corporate and development sectors in leadership roles spanning strategic philanthropy, systems change, and community-led development. She cares deeply about mental health and believes that honest peer-led conversations are not just a source of comfort — they are a meaningful practice of care. Having anchored a Sharing Circle for adoptive parents at the last edition of Manotsava, she saw firsthand what it means to be heard by people who truly get it.

Tahira Thekaekara is a parent to two children and has experienced parenthood through both adoption and birth. She has spent over two decades working in the social sector, building and supporting organizations committed to creating a more sustainable, equitable and compassionate world. Raised in a small non urban community where adoption was visible and normalized, she grew up with friends and peers who were adopted, an experience that continues to shape her understanding of family and belonging. As an adoptive parent, Tahira is interested in questioning dominant narratives around adoption and reflecting on the labels, assumptions, and expectations that are often placed on adopted children and their families. She cares deeply about how we listen to and speak with our children, and about creating space for conversations grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect for their lived experiences. Having participated in Sharing Circles herself, she has experienced the connection, honesty, and sense of community that can emerge when people are able to share openly and be heard. She believes in the importance of peer-led spaces where adoptive families can explore complexity, challenge assumptions, and learn from one another without judgment.

Gayathri Rao is a psychologist and special educator with over 14 years of experience working with adults, children, and families across emotional wellbeing, development, and everyday functioning. Her work with adults has focused on helping individuals better understand themselves, navigate life transitions, strengthen relationships, and build practical emotional skills that support long-term wellbeing. She brings together psychological insight with warmth, reflection, and a deeply human approach—creating spaces where people feel understood rather than judged. Alongside her clinical and educational work, she is passionate about making psychology accessible and helping people translate insight into meaningful change in everyday life.

Bhargavi Raman is the Founder of Studio AMHI (Arts for Mental Health Initiative), a Bangalore-based practice working at the intersection of mental health and the arts. A Somatic and Expressive Arts Therapist and Mental Health Educator, she holds a law degree from NLSIU (2013) and an MA in Expressive Movement Therapy from SPPU (2024), and is trained in Integral Somatic Psychology (ISP), Somatic Experiencing (SE) L1, and Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness (TSM). She works with individuals and groups, drawing on movement, sound, and visual arts to support nervous system regulation and trauma healing.

Bhargavi serves as a SMART supervisor for 3 years, has worked as visiting faculty at Azim Premji University, and has facilitated internationally with Mind & Life Institute, Asia Europe Foundation, Google, Toyota, L&T etc. She holds memberships with IEATA, IADMT, CMTAI, and the MHPSS Network. Through AMHI, she leads trauma-informed expressive arts programmes, including work with custodial women residents through FAHI. Outside her practice, she is an open water swimmer, deep sea diver, singer and mover.

Over the last decade and a half, Shashank has worked in learning, education, and organizational development across multiple organizations and sectors. Through the Unmaskulinity Project, he explores how masculinity shapes our relationships, workplaces, and communities, and brings these insights into the spaces he facilitates. He believes learning and growth are rooted in reflection, conversation, and lived experience. He is also passionate about music and movement, and enjoys weaving these into learning spaces wherever possible.

Rajesh is an adoptive parent and has a wide range of interests spanning across music, education, theater, health and fitness. He has spent most of his life in Bangalore and loves the city’s bylanes and markets as much as its bars and performance venues.

Tahira Thekaekara is a parent to two children and has experienced parenthood through both adoption and birth. She has spent over two decades working in the social sector, building and supporting organizations committed to creating a more sustainable, equitable and compassionate world. Raised in a small non urban community where adoption was visible and normalized, she grew up with friends and peers who were adopted, an experience that continues to shape her understanding of family and belonging. As an adoptive parent, Tahira is interested in questioning dominant narratives around adoption and reflecting on the labels, assumptions, and expectations that are often placed on adopted children and their families. She cares deeply about how we listen to and speak with our children, and about creating space for conversations grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect for their lived experiences. Having participated in Sharing Circles herself, she has experienced the connection, honesty, and sense of community that can emerge when people are able to share openly and be heard. She believes in the importance of peer-led spaces where adoptive families can explore complexity, challenge assumptions, and learn from one another without judgment.