Team
Arjun Swaminathan
For over 15 years, I have used photography, film, podcasting, and community radio to showcase and amplify the stories of the people in India’s hinterlands—of their lives, their communities, and their connection to the earth; local governance; biodiversity conservation; and the interdependence of life on Earth.
My work has taken me closer to the faces behind local governance, efforts in the conservation of our rich biodiversity, the stories that have been passed down orally for centuries, and the people who depend on the earth as much as it depends on them. Everywhere I go, I am humbled by their love for nature and their trust in me to take their voices to the world.
My heart rests somewhere between a slab of cold stone and a hot cup of tea, listening to a fascinating tale of how one spell of hard rain changed the course of three generations. Or how a root, a leaf, and a mushroom once saved the life of a man.
That, to me, is home.
Sahana Srinath
For eight years, I've navigated the nonprofit landscape, weaving together programme management, strategic communications, and capacity building to nurture community-led transformation. My journey began in the rural landscapes of Kolar, Karnataka, where I engaged with rural communities to collectively drive natural resource management and climate action. A few years later, I found myself working with an amazing bunch of educators to create vibrant learning environments where children and youth could discover their potential and connection to the world around them.
These early experiences revealed to me the profound power of storytelling—how narratives can bridge divides, challenge perspectives, and catalyse change. This realisation guided me toward strategic communications, where I found my true calling.
Today, I craft authentic, grounded narratives that amplify voices often left unheard. Whether designing content strategies or facilitating dialogue spaces, I work to make development communication more inclusive, ensuring it remains rooted in lived realities rather than abstract concepts. Each story I help tell aims to shift perspectives and inspire lasting, meaningful action.
Nature remains my most patient teacher and constant muse. In its quiet wisdom and resilience, I find lessons that infuse my work with authenticity and hope. Like the ecosystems I advocate for, I believe in the delicate balance between listening and speaking, between documenting reality and imagining new possibilities.
I'm always ready for meaningful collaborations and thoughtful conversations—preferably over a steaming cup of filter coffee, where the best ideas tend to bloom.
Varun M John
I’ve spent over eighteen years in information technology, evolving from the fast-paced ICT world to the heart of development work. Along the way, I’ve partnered with startups, nonprofits, and social enterprises to transform complex challenges into practical, impactful solutions.
Early on, I realized that human-centered design and digital tools go beyond technology—they’re about connecting people, amplifying voices, and inspiring collaboration. Whether I’m facilitating workshops or diving deep into sustainability research, I focus on creating environments where ideas flow freely and strategies emerge from real-world experiences.
For me, sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s about building lasting systems, protecting the environment, and ensuring social change benefits everyone. I bring this mindset to every project, helping organizations harness innovation to create meaningful, lasting impact
Abhijna Belur
For years now, I've been lucky enough to work alongside brilliant young minds—mostly first-generation college students trying to make sense of our messy social world. Teaching these budding social scientists has become more than just a job; I've watched them grow, question everything, and slowly find their own voices.
My background in sociology and international development taught me one thing clearly: spreadsheets and statistics only tell half the story. The real insights? Those come from sitting with people and actually listening, watching how communities really function when academics aren't looking.
I've spent countless hours in classrooms that feel small and communities that feel just right, having conversations that connect the dots between some policy written in an office somewhere and how it plays out in someone's actual life. Sure, I've written the reports and mentored the students and analyzed the systems—all that academic stuff. But what sticks with me are the other moments: unexpected laughter during a serious discussion, watching someone find their strength in a system designed to break them, or that rare perfect silence when someone finally feels safe enough to speak their truth.