It was a pleasure conducting the Drama Therapy and Geriatric Wellbeing session for the current cohort of the Diploma in Gerontology at Tata Institute of Social Sciences We explored a range of creative, movement-based, expressive and theatrical processes, each rooted in geriatric well-being: Emotion-centered activities : We used playful and expressive tools to help understand, express, and regulate emotions - skills that support emotional well-being in older adults. Body movement & freeze frames : Through gentle movement and embodied storytelling, we looked at how body awareness, mobility, and non-verbal communication play a vital role in healthy ageing and connection. Improvisation games : These sparked creativity, mental flexibility, spontaneity, and cognitive stimulation - all crucial in maintaining cognitive vitality and memory in geriatric care. Voice exercises : We explored exercises that help reclaim one’s voice and build confidence - empowering older adults in self-expression and self-advocacy. Story-making & help-seeking : We engaged in individual story creation to understand deeper narratives around seeking support, belonging, and resilience. Group story creation, mask work & presentations : Collaborative processes encouraged perspective-taking, social bonding, empathy, and shared meaning-making - core to psychosocial enrichment for elders. Grateful to Dr. Saigita Chitturu ma'am for the opportunity and thankful to the cohort for their openness, playfulness, and depth. Here’s to creative ageing, compassionate conversations, and the power of expressive arts in geriatric care. 💛 [mental health, psychologist, geriatric, elder care, healthy ageing]

I had the honour of conducting "C.A.R.E to Include – An Experiential Lab on Allyship, Empathy and Disability in the Future of Work” on 3rd December, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. In this lab, we explored what it means to move from intention to action as allies, not just talking about inclusion, but practicing it in our bodies, choices, beliefs and systems. I shared the C.A.R.E Model, a simple but reflective lens for everyday allyship: Check assumptions (C): Pause before you label, and question the story in your head about someone’s abilities or needs. Ask what helps (A) : Don’t guess support – ask, “What would be helpful for you right now?” Respect lived experience (R): Trust that people know their own bodies, minds, and realities better than any outsider. Enable access (E) : Change spaces, systems, and habits so everyone can participate meaningfully, not just “fit in”. A huge shoutout to Vinicio Adivisory for organizing this and holding space for such an important conversation. #CAREtoInclude #DisabilityInclusion #Allyship #FutureOfWork #InclusionMatters

Is Masculinity in crisis? Or is it the old script of masculinity that’s collapsing? Why is the global suicide rate more than twice as high among men than women? What is the psychological impact of gender equality on men and the way they perceive their role? How do men and women experience, and express emotions differently? What quietly stops men from seeking help? How do we raise boys who can be steady and sensitive without being shamed for either? What does a balanced, healthy male role model look like today? These are just few of the many questions we addressed in the International Men’s Day Webinar - Overcoming Stigmas: Men Seeking Help, Therapy & Self-Care. Throughout the session, we explored the emotional realities many men live with but rarely speak about: Men don’t lack emotions, but many grew up never being taught the words for what they feel, nor healthy tools to express them. Hurt might show up as anger. Fear might show up as silence. Sadness might show up as withdrawal. These are learned patterns, not a lack of emotional depth. The pressure to provide, perform, protect, and never pause quietly shapes men’s mental health. Traditional talk therapy might not always meet men where they are. When vulnerability is defined only as talking, men who process through action, humour, problem-solving, or quiet presence feel misunderstood. Raising boys differently begins here. It's not about "softening" them, but about expanding their emotional range. Allowing them to feel without shame. Teaching them that strength is not the absence of emotion, but the ability to hold emotion with awareness. A healthy male role model today isn’t someone who has all the answers. He’s someone who can say: “I’m overwhelmed.” “I need a break.” “I’m learning.” without feeling less worthy. If you’re a man reading this, I hope you know: Your inner world is not a weakness to hide. It’s a language you’re allowed to learn - slowly, steadily and safely And if you work with men, lead teams, raise boys, or love men in your life, I hope you continue creating spaces where this learning feels welcome. Here’s to a broader, kinder, more human definition of masculinity.

Honorable Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Bharat Puraskar, 2025 by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation, supported by the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (MACCIA) and presented by Swadeshi India Runway Truly humbled to be in the legendary company of Padma Shri Ramesh Sippy, Padma Bhushan Udit Narayan, Maestro Taufiq Qureshi, the Architect of Modern Indian Percussion, and Dr. Arshi Ayub Mohamed Zaveri, CEO of Trust With Trade Group, alongwith APJMJ Sheikh Salim, nephew of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. A heartfelt tribute to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the People’s President, the Missile Man of India, and an eternal teacher whose life was a symphony of science, spirituality, and service. @uditnarayanmusic @rameshsippy47 @taufiqdjembe

POV : Met two locals who completely stole the show ❤️ #sikkimdiaries #pawsome #doggos #traveldiaries

What happens when a cohort of bright minds, curious hearts, and playful spirits from across the country comes together for an experiential retreat? It’s less about the plan and more about: 🌱 Deep discussions that open new perspectives 💭 Reflections that make you pause and look inward 🎉 Moments of laughter & lightness and 💫 Memories that stay with you long after Through The Hero’s Journey – An Experiential Narrative Workshop, we honored our own stories, where we’ve been, what we’ve navigated, and where we are heading. Stories became mirrors, and personal narratives unfolded as gentle pathways for growth. Here’s to learning, laughter, and friendships that remind us that we’re not walking alone. 🌍❤️ [Psychology, Stories, Narrative, Wellness, Retreat, Residency, Travel, Immersive, Play, Games, Motivation]

2025! You beauty! Thank you Mr. Siddharth Sharma (CEO, @tata_trusts), Manoj Tiwari (Vice-Chancellor, TISS), Prof. Shankar Das (Pro Vice-Chancellor, TISS), Prof. Bipin Jojo, Dr. Lata Das and to everyone who made this possible at Tata Institute Of Social Sciences. 2025 is turning out to be an amazing ride, helping me explore and embrace every facet of myself. Can’t wait to see what’s in store! #mentalhealth #tatainstituteofsocialsciences #mentalhealthadvocate #psychology #inclusivity #tedxspeaker #wellness #mensmentalhealthawareness #mentalwellbeing

✨ 2 HOUSEFULL SHOWS! ✨ Dekho! Woh Aa Gaya... took off — and how! 🚀 Your love, your energy, your support — we felt it all. Beyond grateful for this electric, unforgettable ride. Thank you for making it magical. ♥️ Dekho! Woh Aa Gaya... Produced & Presented by : @jehanbux_irani @iranicafeentertainment Directed by : @theabhishekbanerji Starring : @manav_being @iampujasharma @purudev_ @ketankakkar01 Written by : @baatoonii.alankrit & @pravwins Set & Lights : @ajay_nitnaw___15 Special Thanks: @ganesh_s_gurav Poster Design: @ajinkyashirodkar Thank you Chaubara - by Veda Factory 😊🙏

Just ONE day left for Dekho! Woh Aa Gaya... 🎭👀 Inspired by Tony Frier’s Are You Watching Me?, this play promises to be a thrilling experience from start to finish. The stage is set, the countdown is real and the madness is about to begin! — book your tickets NOW and don’t miss the madness! Unravel the mystery on: 🗓️ 30th March, 5:30 & 8:30 PM 📌 Chaubara - By Veda Factory 🎟️ Tickets available on BookMyShow or at Venue. Produced & Presented by : @jehanbux_irani @iranicafeentertainment Directed by : @theabhishekbanerji Starring : @manav_being @iampujasharma @purudev_ @ketankakkar01 Written by : @baatoonii.alankrit & @pravwins Set & Lights : @ajay_nitnaw___15 Special Thanks: @ganesh_s_gurav Poster Design: @ajinkyashirodkar #theatre #play #theatrekid