Team
Dedication, Expertise, Passion! And A 'give back' mindset..
We have team members from various walks of life; from humanitarians, to social activists, academicians to social workers, actors and artists and in all "Great Possiblers!
Vispi Shroff
Life & Developmental Coach
My first encounter with possibilities was sitting in my Uncle Aspi and Aunt Yasmin's house, playing games and doing fun exercises as a teenager in the late 90s. Very soon, I was helping them run workshops for school children, whether it be from the slums in Mumbai or in the villages of Maharashtra. Every time I helped them, I learnt something more and something deeper. Just like the tiny seed of a banyan tree or a mustard tree or an acorn can grow into a huge and very old tree, so do we have the potential within ourselves to grow into something big, wonderful and life giving. This is the essence of Possibilities, and it is our essence.
Living in Ireland, I now work with people to help them achieve their potential through coaching, therapy and other nature based practices.
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Abhishek Thakur
Assistant Professor, University of Delhi
Abhishek Thakur is working as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Social Work, University of Delhi.
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He is a recipient of National award by the President of India for his contribution towards the empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. He is part of the Governing Body of National Association for the Blind and The Blind Relief Association, Delhi. He is also a member of different expert committees on Disability set up by Central and State Government. He has published various works on issues like disability, gender, mental health, water and sanitation.
SPEAKER - Vinay Suhalka
Dept. of Humanities & Social Sciences, IIT Bombay
I have recently finished my doctoral studies in sociology. My educational journey is interspersed with my long association with 'Possibilities', which has allowed me to grow in various ways. From conducting workshops with a diverse group of people at different points to making me realise my own infinite and limitless possibilities, the group and its people have been a wonderful, almost precious association.
My academic interests include disability studies and study of religion.
When not studying, I like watching trees and conducting tree walks and dream of becoming a tree some day.
Meet Manoj Kumar
Doctoral Scholar in Social Work at TISS, Mumbai
Ph.D. Dissertation - Women’s constructing Identities & Their Choices of Academic Disciplines in Higher Education. A Bachelor in History Honors from St. Stephen College, University of Delhi, 2009, Master in Social Work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, 2011.​
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Winner of Ashoka Youth Venture & EdelGive Foundation, 2010 and 2011. Interested to extend his Doctoral research & conduct the workshops on Passion Development, Research Revolution and Skills Assessment.
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His competency, honesty, perseverance, dedication, the passion of never give up and always ready to learn new things have given him opportunities of maintaining healthy networking with the others and to keep connecting himself with them enthusiastically.
"Since its inception Possibilities inspired me to achieve to achieve Inner Strength, Self-Respect and Self-Passions & eradicating stratifications."
Dr. Prenika Anand
Senior Research Fellow, Social Connectedness, Oxford
I have been associated with Possibilities since 2012 during my Master's program at Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Co leading workshops for students, school children and communities as part of Possibilities, unraveled many in my own life. The few simple Possibilities exercises I frequently use with myself and others are to 'shift the mirror', 'the tiny mustard seed ', and 'pass through paper' and the works of Victor Frankl and Nick Vujicic. What started as 'Possibilities' carried forward in understanding interdependence as Buddhist and integrating my career and everyday work with the universal wisdom of different philosophical schools. I am currently a researcher working at Oxford on social connectedness and intergenerational belonging in the use of technology for wellbeing.
Kailash
B.A. Hons, MSW - TISS, M.Phil - TISS, PhD - I.I.T Bombay & Monash research Academy, Australia
I am currently a committed doctoral student pursuing my studies at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) Monash Research Academy in Australia. My research focuses on the "Deterritorialisation of Kolis: Impact of Infrastructure Projects on the Kolis of Machchimar Nagar in Cuffe Parade, Mumbai. Specifically, I am delving into the urban habitat of the Kolis, with a keen focus on studying the Cuffe-Parade Machimar Nagar in Mumbai.
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In 2010, driven by a strong desire to address the challenges faced by the Koli community, I took the initiative to establish Jagrut Yuva Munch. This platform aims to raise awareness and advocate for the rights and well-being of the Kolis. Recognizing the pivotal role of the local Machimar Sarvodaya Sahakari fishing cooperative society, I am honored to serve as an advisor within the organization. This experience has provided invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities encountered by the fishing community.
That's Raj Singh Verma
Actor, Ad Film Maker, Film Maker, Actor...Farmer!
Oh & a Happiness Coach too!
A B.Sc. (Physics from St. Xavier’s college, Mumbai, MMS degree from JBIMS. Began career as an Ad Film Maker, worked with ad agency & brands such as brands such as Patanjali, Colgate, Surf, HDFC, Reliance, Volini, Coke, Siemens, Baskin Robins, Hallmark & Smirnoff.
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Worked as a Director of Earst Communications Ltd. & Bliss unlimited.
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Acted in TV shows (as the leading male protagonist) such as Miit (A show by Anurag Basu), Prateeksha (By Basu Chatterjee) Jahan Pe Ho basera (star plus show, Directed by Naresh Malhotra), Koi Laut Ke Aya, India Calling, Yeh Wada Raha, Uttran, Kagaz ki Kashti, Gangaand several others.
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Has acted in 90+ theatre plays in Europe and India.
Film career: REWIND. FIRST TRUE REVERSE FILM FROM INDIA, selected at FESTIVALS WORLDWIDE (LOCARNO-SWITZERLAND, SEATTLE, LA, MONTREAL-CANADA, MILANO-ITALY, PALMSPRINGS-USA).
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The most memorable project of his life time remains 25 Biopics on Indian heroes which he anchored and directed for Reliance Big Magic.
As a farmer: The sustainable lifestyle appealed to Rajsingh Verma so much that he made the decision to change his lifestyle drastically. Raj now practices and supports chemical free Natural Farming, rides a cycle and lives consciously. While he considers himself lucky to be able to travel the world, he tries to make a difference in every place with small deeds such as throwing seeds on barren lands that he comes across. Since more and more farmers are shifting to cities and the food requirement is increasing year on year, the need for farmers and sustainable living is the need of the hour, which is an endeavor that is close to Raj’s heart. Stephen hawking says if you want to live short and unhappily continue what you are doing, but if you plan to live long and happily quit everything and start growing your food. The cause appealed to Raj so much that he made the film Bajra v/s Burger. (Smart Village v/s City) . BAJRA V/S BURGER Realistic, inspiring, humorous, the film Bajra v/s Burger touches a very real, but common topic of a simple man leaving his village and moving to a city with no money, but only dreams. It showcases how career stress and situational crisis makes one forget their values and how life changes before and after success, wealth, marriage and more. From abandoning a happy, natural life in the village, the rat-race in the city causes the characters of the film to fight for survival, pay EMIs, become less empathic towards near ones and miss out on the growing years of their child’s life so on and so forth. While many films have touched on the aspect of climate change in a serious manner, highlighting the issue at large, Bajra v/s Burger has tried to do so in a more light-hearted yet relevant way to allow more people to feel connected and responsible towards the issue. The film is based on true real-life incidents and characters. Happiness Coach: As a guest lecturer, he has taught 3D Healthcare and soft skills at IIT, MICA, Somaya Institute, Mumbai University and others.
Indira Chhajerh
B.Sc. (Botany), LL.B, MSW,IGNOU-Pursuing
A passionate human being who cares about fellow human beings, environment and the universe, who holds dear, values such as universal love, compassion, peace, honesty & integrity.
A science and a law graduate, who discovered that her true interests lie in real education, life based learnings and sharing of gifts and experiences. A mother who decided to unschool her only daughter.
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Social Activism- Civic Matters
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RTI Activist
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A satyagrahi for Sahasi Padyatri Movement for pedestrian rights.
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Community work in rural areas of Rajasthan
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Worked with special and hearing impaired children in various Mumbai schools.
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Community work in Trombay slums.
Part of Possibilities network, conducted work shops at: Tata Institute of Social Sciences Fair A group of social workers from all over India at TISS. BHU- Institute of Management Studies. Majlis-Women’s Organisation. S.N.D.T. College Santacruz, Mumbai. Access Life Foundation- with Parents of children suffering from cancer. PSP Nursing College-Rajasthan. Mahatma Gandhi B.Ed. College, Banswara, Rajasthan. Equal Streets at Mumbai. Various community gatherings.
Hi I am Leela Meher
A school Counselor & an Educator for 20 years.
A school counsellor and an educator with 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Personality Development. I have been associated with Possibilities for the last 10 years. I am currently working on mental health issues among the marginalized and vulnerable communities in Mumbai.
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Over the years, I have undertaken several Possibilities Workshops and seminars in multiple schools, colleges, and housing societies working with children, teenagers and adults. I have implemented my knowledge as a school counselor to further enhance my interactions during Possibilities Workshops and vice versa; especially now as a counselor working with mental health issues.
Dr. Suman Kalani
Ph.D.
A distinguished law faculty, epitomizes passionate teaching and staunchly believes in unlocking possibilities—both within herself and in enabling others to explore their potential.
Recognizing Oneness as pivotal to internal and external progress, Dr. Kalani advocates for unity as a catalyst for advancement. She underscores the transformative impact of Blessings and Gratitude as essential elements fostering oneness. Through her dedicated pursuit of legal education, Dr. Kalani not only imparts knowledge but instills a holistic understanding of personal and collective growth.
She has been with Team Possibilites since 2019 as a part of many workshops Experiencing own possibilites and helping others to believe and identify their poissibilties. She firlmy believes I M Possibilities acts as key to all worries and with ease leads to peace within and outside.
Rajinder Beniwal (Kabir)
MSW, TISS
Kabir believes life’s foundation lies in connecting with your inner-self, connecting with others and to remain connected. His journey started from Balotra, Rajasthan.
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With an intention to seek himself and the society, their interrelationship, he got the opportunity to study Yogic Science, Economics, Political Science and Disaster Management.
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During his studies at Delhi University, Morarji National Yoga Institute and Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai Together with teachers and students he worked towards understanding the role and contribution of financial, political and social participation.
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After which for over a decade he has reached and connected with people personally and along with government and non-government, international non-government institutions across - Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Bihar and Nepal.
His working style is based on Yoga and on Expressive Art, Body Movement Therapy, Dance Therapy, Drama, Theatre, Games, Touch/Hug Therapy, Music, Nature, Meditation etc.
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Also there are immense Possibilities of forgetting about the Unlimited Possibilities within us. That is why, you should not forget or even if you forget you should try to reduce it to the minimal. Hence in this journey of life, your primary responsibility is to keep reminding yourself about these unlimited possibilities.
The solution according to Kabir is to keep reminding yourself of these limitless possibilities.
Shilpa Valia-Wendland
Wellness Coach
With more than three decades residing in Germany, I've devoted my career to non-profits, holding a degree in Psychology and Food & Nutrition. Certified as a Yoga Therapist, Mindfulness Trainer, NLP Master’s Coach, and Mindset and Resilience Coach, I bring 25 years of corporate Business English teaching and five years as a University of Applied Sciences English teacher.
As a Theatre for the Oppressed Facilitator, I promote global change and re-humanization.
With over a decade as a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Inner Development Goals (IDGs) Facilitator, I collaborate with German NGOs. These interactive learning programs and workshops are aligned with Agenda 2030-SDGs and IDGs to cultivate responsible and sustainable perspectives with action.
Facilitating another program called CHAT between WORLDS, I integrate global learning with digital media, fostering cross-cultural exchanges. This program creates a virtual space for participants to share experiences, discuss global themes, and encourage collaborative learning.
In my educational pursuits, I use dynamic methods, ensuring an exciting and participatory learning environment. This enhances the overall learning experience and contributes to a more effective educational process.
Margalit Chordekar
Bach Flower Practitioner & first Logotherapist to conduct an International Certification course in India
I am Margalit Chordekar. I live in Mumbai . I have been in the corporate industry for 20 years and during these years pursued my passion of learning different healing modalities and have a Diploma in Counseling - from Heart to Heart Mumbai . I am a Certified Bach Flower Practitioner from Edward Bach Institute UK and Certified Logotherapist Trainer and Affiliate of Viktor Frankl Institute Israel. I pride myself at being the first Logotherapist to conduct an International Certification course in Logotherapy in India.
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My personal journey in healing leads and motivates me to share and help others experience the magical healing powers of Bach Flower Remedies and also help my fellow beings to cope and deal with difficult situations through Finding Meaning through my work as a Logo Therapist. I have 8 years of experience as a Bach flower practitioner and 6 months experience as a Trainer in Logotherapy where I have trained psychologists and counselors both in India and other Asian countries.
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I am passionate to help and share my learnings and experiences with anyone seeking help. I find immense joy, contentment and am grateful for all the opportunities I have got through my work.
R Behura
MBA in dual specialization, B-Tech in Electronic and Telecommunication and B.Sc in chemistry.
Rashmiranjan Behura has served in Indian Army for 30 years, demonstrating the highest level of integrity, bravery and sincerity. For his outstanding contribution to the Indian Army, he was awarded with Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card. He has worked across the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Home and Ministry of Surface Transport of Government of India, gaining a wealth of experience in military leadership, human resource, general operation and training.
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He has also experience in serving with Service Selection Board and Training establishment. He is actively involved in conducting various activities in multiple organizations. He is also a Personality Development coach and counsellor. Presently he coaches/trains young aspiring students for selection in National Defense Academy.
Akanksha Sharma
D.U. Graduate with Masters in Social Work with specialization in Health and Development from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.
Akanksha has overseen multiple HR functions in IT consulting with Tata consultancy Services.
She is currently heading Brand Management, Communications and Outreach for a CSR initiative of TCS Foundation – Digital Impact Square. DISQ is an open social innovation center - in the city of Nashik, Maharashtra that encourages Early age startups to address social challenges with innovations using digital technologies.
She started her career in TCS as a part of Life Sciences Talent Development team, won global recognition with awards like Brandon Hall and moved up to be the Talent Development Lead for Life Sciences - North America unit. She has been instrumental in developing curricula and regulatory training programs for the pharmacists and medicos involved in clinical trial processes. She is also a certified trainer for TCS flagship leadership training programs.
She has completed her graduation from University of Delhi with specialization in Human Development and holds a Masters in Social Work with specialization in Health and Development from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. As a part of field work, she was working at tata Memorial hospital, Mumbai where she first got introduced to possibilities. She organized multiple workshop for the cancer patients at Tata Memorial hospital and has been in touch with the practice and cofounders since then.
Our Founders
Aspi Shroff
An alumini of IIT Bombay. B-Tech 1971.
Worked for Mahindra & Mahindra for six years. In 1979, he started his own company at Mumbai, in collaboration with Mitsubishi, Japan.
In 1985, he along with his, wife Mrs Yasmin stared an initiative named "Possibilities", which focused on evoking the immense Possibilities present in every human being. He was also involved in counselling and carrying out workshops for students, teachers and parents of Godrej School, Mumbai and New Era School Panchgani. And many more schools. He has done deep research on Indian Philosophy and has written on the parallels between Timeless Wisdom and Quantum science.
He is associated with Tata Istitute of Social Sciences, Nehru Centre. Tata Memorial Hospital, St Xavier's and other colleges. Institutions for underprivileged for more than 30 years Through his activities/game he is encouraging & educating young students and teachers for protection and preservation of environment.
Yasmin Shroff
Mrs. Yasmin Shroff is endowed with many years of experience in the field of quality education, training, environmental awareness and Indian philosophy. She started her career as a pre-primary teacher in the Breach Candy School, Mumbai. She was also instrumental in starting the English medium branch in American Mission School, Wai, Maharashtra.
She was also a faculty member of Godrej Pre- Primary School for 7 years.
In 1985, she joined her husband in their social development project Possibilities' with the aim of exploring, celebrating, and creating possibilities for a better world. She has been working relentlessly in school, colleges, slum areas, Tata Memorial cancer hospital, Tata Institute of Social Sciences and many more. Contributing immensely to their dream project "Possibilities".
She organized many Possibilities activities, games and melas. She was also part of two village melas in Satara District of Maharashtra, which were organized as a joint venture with few NGOs from all over India in which approximately 5000 students and 500 teachers participated. Equal Streets Mumbai. And many schools and institutions.
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She is also involved in tree plantation, water harvesting and solar cooking activities.
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She also created an environmental human value consciousness game to generate more interest amongst people from all works of life. For ease and better understanding of emotional intelligence for all, she designed activities based on making and using emotional puppets. She has written and published a book to this effect, called "Puppet Possibilities."
