Co-Creators
Amisha Shetgaonkar
has completed her Master’s in Environmental Sciences from the School of Earth, Oceans and Atmospheric Science at Goa University. She comes from Morjim village in Pernem Taluka of North Goa and her research is centred around the complex relationship and impact of tourism, society and the environment. Her study is on the social ecology of Morjim village, revealing how tourism has shaped its socio-cultural landscape and ecological dynamics.
Asavari Gurav
holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and a Master of Visual Art in Printmaking and Graphic Arts from M.S. University of Baroda. She has received several accolades, including the C.R. Das Gupta Memorial Award for Printmaking (2021), the Purushottam Annual Merit Award for Printmaking (2021), the Goa Open Art Catalyst Grant (2021), and the Space 118 Fine Arts Grant in Mumbai (2024). Asavari has exhibited and performed in Goa, Baroda, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. Her multidisciplinary practice spans drawing, text, print, painting, poetry, research, theatre, and performance art. She explores various facets of performance, seeking to create immersive experiences where viewers feel as if they are witnessing a live performance. Her works, often unfolding like an artist's book, focus on representations of women, androgynous figures, and performers caught in moments of action.
Ayesha Ramdas Karmali
has completed her Master’s in Environmental Sciences from the School of Earth, Oceans and Atmospheric Science at Goa University. Ayesha’s research and study focus on the biodiversity of the mangrove flora and the associated macrofauna and microflora observed within the mangrove ecosystems along the Mandovi estuary, Goa. Through her fieldwork, she documents and preserves plant samples collected from the mangroves as herbariums. She further collected water samples for microflora estimation, wherein bacterial colonies were isolated, quantified and characterised morphologically.
Bhawana Jain
is a multi-disciplinary artist currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts at Central Saint Martins. As an eco-feminist, her art aims to raise awareness and stimulate inquiry through research and sensory experiences. Passionate about addressing critical issues and driving change, Bhawana has organized workshops and showcased her work in exhibitions and performances across London.
Bhushana Deepak Thakur
has completed her Master’s in History from the D.D. Kosambhi School of Social Science and Behavioural Studies at Goa University. Bhushana’s research explores the history, processes, distribution of workers, and salt production's economic significance in Pernem, Goa. She traces the traditional methods used by the Mithaguada community, the present-day challenges faced and the types of salt produced.
Chayne Lobo
is an aspiring lens-based artist with a passion for experimenting with storytelling to evoke emotions. He enjoys adventure, chocolate, and exploring the outdoors, whether hiking through misty forests to connect with nature or finding new perspectives in raindrops and human connections. Embracing spontaneity, Chayne eagerly anticipates each new adventure, always seeking fresh experiences and meaningful connections.
Elisha Agnes D’Souza
is a student and photographer currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Arts at Carmel College, Nuvem, Goa. She has a deep appreciation for her culture and values the history of her homeland. From a young age, Elisha was fascinated by photography, which sparked her passion for writing engaging content inspired by the images she captures. Through her work, she aims to create visuals that go beyond imagination, offering a unique perspective on the world around her.
Joanna Mendes
is an illustrator and graphic designer with a passion for visual problem-solving. She experiments with a variety of illustration styles, blending traditional and digital techniques in her work. Joanna is also interested in creating surface patterns, linocut printmaking, and music. An alumnus of the Savannah College of Art and Design, she enjoys working on commissions, and in her free time, she likes baking pound cakes, people-watching, drawing from life, and singing.
Jodan Inacio De Souza
is a visual artist based in Goa, who recently completed his Master’s degree in Painting from the Goa College of Art. His artistic practice is deeply influenced by his socio-cultural heritage and the fishing tradition of his family, which has shaped his creative process. The beliefs, rituals, memories, and objects tied to this tradition are central to his work. Jodan’s paintings reflect his interactions with the environment, capturing unique and memorable life experiences. Through his art, he explores the surreal, infusing his work with nostalgia, a deep care for people and places, and thoughtful storytelling. Although painting is his primary medium, he also experiments with various materials. His works are often autobiographical and intuitive, emerging from simple observations yet carrying profound meaning.
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Manisha Rodrigues
holds an M. Arch. degree from CEPT University, Ahmedabad. She practises architecture in Goa and serves as an Assistant Professor at the Goa College of Architecture. Water and the environment have been central to her upbringing, and having witnessed significant changes in Goa's landscape, she is committed to contributing towards its conservation.
Melanie Costa Pereira
is a Goan artist from Loutolim, deeply inspired by the rich heritage of khaazan land, and trained in the Old Masters technique of watercolour art.
Minelli Pinto
is an Illustrator, Expressive Arts Therapy Practitioner and SEL(Social-Emotional Learning) Educator based in Goa, with a Bachelor in Architecture. She enjoys working with children as it challenges her and helps her grow. She aims to contribute to the preservation of Goa's environment for future generations.
Natasha James
is a third-year student at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education. She is passionate about exploring new cultures, organising impactful events, and confidently taking the stage as an emcee. Driven by creativity, Natasha enjoys designing unique products and planning photoshoots. She thrives on bringing ideas to life and creating memorable experiences that connect people and inspire moments worth celebrating.
Neethi Mahesh
is an ecologist and conservationist with a special focus on freshwater fauna, riverine habitats, and related policies. Her work in the Cauvery River centres on spatial ecology, using the Mahseer fish as an indicator species, and developing a holistic landscape-level approach to riverine habitats. Neethi currently collaborates with the Jenu Kuruba, a forest-dwelling community in Coorg District, and the Forest Department on a pilot riparian restoration initiative. Additionally, she is working on a citizen science model for freshwater ecosystems, including lakes, streams, and rivers, through a technology-based platform called Our River, Our Life. This platform aims to facilitate the monitoring and reporting of these lesser-known ecosystems.
Nisha Chari
has completed her Master’s in Environmental Sciences from the School of Earth, Oceans and Atmospheric Science at Goa University. Nisha's research explores the intricate dynamics of sustaining agriculture and addressing soil erosion challenges in the villages of Ibrampur and Sal along the Chapora River in Goa where she comes from. Through her fieldwork, she aims to understand the challenges faced by farmers through changes in weather patterns, land degradation and modern economic pressures.
Nitya Navelkar
is a storyteller with a deep fascination for nature, viewing it as an endless source of stories. As an animal lover, she believes every creature, no matter its size or shape, has a unique narrative to share. Her creative language is shaped by her experiences with nature and the limitless potential of visual media to blend reality with imagination. Nitya frequently experiments with illustration, animation, film, and photography. She is currently studying Communication Design at the National Institute of Design, Madhya Pradesh.
Pradyut Nath
is a graphic designer specialising in branding and packaging, with over five years of experience in the industry. He has a strong passion for typographic design and enjoys creating custom letterforms. Outside of his design work, Pradyut is an avid reader, particularly fond of Murakami's books. He is also a sometimes-successful plant caretaker and a dedicated daydreamer, who one day hopes to see Arsenal win the Premier League title.
Pratishtha Chhetri
is an independent documentary filmmaker and photographer with a Postgraduate Diploma in Communications for Development from Xavier’s Institute of Communications, Mumbai. She has worked on documentaries for prominent platforms like Discovery Channel and NABARD. As a communications officer, Pratishtha has collaborated with NGOs and organisations such as GIZ, helping amplify their missions. Through her work, she aims to highlight issues that require human empathy and contribute to important dialogues surrounding societal challenges and development.
Rachel Fernandes
is an architect dedicated to creating ecologically responsible design solutions. With a strong ambition to contribute to sustainable architecture, she strives to expand her knowledge and stay at the forefront of industry innovations. Her final-year project focused on protecting and restoring wetlands, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable design principles. With a fresh perspective and a passion for lifelong learning, Rachel aims to create architectural solutions that respect and benefit both the environment and the communities they serve. A lover of travel and cultural exploration, her design style blends global perspectives with architectural innovation.
Rehaan Díaz
is a writer and filmmaker with a background in advertising and sports journalism. He has applied his creative skills across various industries in Bangalore, working with notable organisations such as Sportskeeda, J. Walter Thompson, Avakkai Films, the Bangalore International Centre, Citizen Matters, and the People's Archive of Rural India, where he contributed to their Twitter communications. Currently, Rehaan is pitching his feature film screenplay Bobs of Bangalore to production studios, while also developing a film about the ferries of Goa, with principal photography scheduled to begin in July 2024.
Rhea D’Souza
is an architect with 11 years of professional and teaching experience, specialising in renovation, conservation-restoration, and the repurposing of materials in architectural projects. In addition to her architectural expertise, she is a trained art educator and art conservator, focusing on the conservation and restoration of paintings, polychrome statues, gilded artefacts, and murals under the guidance of senior conservators. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Conservation at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, Rhea is passionate about cultural heritage and aims to contribute to preserving art for future generations, benefiting communities in the process. She is often found with a sketchbook in hand.
Rhea Lopez
is an interdisciplinary researcher and storyteller, with an M.Sc. in Wildlife Biology and Conservation, who explores the relationship between rivers and the myriad lives they support. Her research looks at human-animal relationships, land-use change, climate change, and the geographies of cohabitation in Goa’s traditional khazaan fisheries.
Ritwhik Iyappa
is a Junior Graphic and Web Designer with strong expertise in both visual design and web development. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, he combines creativity with technical skills to create engaging and user-focused designs for digital platforms. Ritwhik excels in team environments and is dedicated to producing designs that enhance user experience while meeting brand objectives and client expectations.
Ruchika Tiku
a former artist and music professional, developed an interest in indigenous and tribal communities through their music. The traditional instruments and rhythms of these groups evoke a profound connection with nature. This interest naturally led her, as a student of environmental science at Goa University, to focus on traditional knowledge. Embracing a holistic approach, traditional knowledge demonstrates the inseparable links between culture, nature, and humanity. Her exploration of the Dhangar way of life unveiled the intricate interconnections of ecology, cultivation, livelihood, and culture—an experience she hopes others will enjoy as much as she did researching it.
Saachi D’Souza
is a writer and editor based in Goa, examining society, culture and all the things that make them. Her writing - spanning environment, civic issues, gender, media - has appeared in multiple Indian publications like Boom Live, India Times, Queerbeat Media, Citizen Matters, Akademi Mag, Goya Journal, and international publications like Asia Democracy Chronicles.
Ryan Bhengra
is a graduate of the Goa College of Art with a Master’s degree in Art History and Aesthetics from MSU Baroda. He is an illustrator and muralist and has worked as a research assistant at the Museum of Goa. For him, studying art has always been a driving factor in his foray into photography and videography, giving him a new medium to explore stories.
Sandhya Gaonkar
has completed her Master’s in Konkani from the Shenoi Goembab School of Languages and Literature at Goa University. Sandhya's research aims to understand the socio-cultural problems of the people in the Mhadai Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa. Through her fieldwork she explores the immediate issues of displacement, the local concerns of the loss of cultural identity and culture, as she attempts to develop and share an understanding of the underlying laws that govern the creation of the sanctuary.
Sanika Dhakephalkar
is an artist, educator, poet, and translator based in Goa. They currently lead the Visual Arts Program at Bookworm Goa. As an artist, they have produced illustrations and books for various organisations and publications. They write in English and translate prose and poetry from Marathi to English. They are deeply invested in questions of art, access, community, and social justice.
Satyam
is a visual artist based in Goa, with a BFA and MFA in Painting from Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai. His work has been showcased at various prestigious venues, including Sunaparanta Art Centre and Institute Menezes Braganza in Goa, CIMA Gallery in Kolkata, and the Birla Academy of Art and Culture in Kolkata. Originally from a farming community in Sawantwadi, Southern Maharashtra, Satyam’s art draws heavily from his experiences on the farm, where crops such as rice, cashew nuts, mangoes, and indigenous vegetables are cultivated. His practice incorporates elements from the land, exploring the concept of "Rakhandar", the night watchman or protector, through realistic renderings. By revisiting the farm as an observer, Satyam creates introspective works that reflect the night landscape and the delicate balance between urban and rural life. His art invites viewers to consider the tension between these realities and the harmony that must be struck between them.
Shivranjana
(she/her) is a writer and medium-agnostic artist interested in subconscious meaning-making and existential thought. With a decade working in communication design for mental health and family systems, her artistic practice serves as a reflection of the dynamic relationships between narrative and medium; medium and the act of making; and narrative and the viewer. Her artistic engagement began with books, comics and zines; eventually (spatially) expanding into mixed media installations, two of which were incubated during her engagement under the Sunaparanta Artist Initiator Lab. She is currently working on a podcast with Future-Based, that explores the subjects of migration, identity and belonging.
Siddesh Balaji Gaunekar
is an artist passionate about provoking thought and fostering connection through his work. He believes in the transformative power of creativity and aims to ignite curiosity and wonder in his audience, using art as a platform for expression. With a deep love for storytelling, Siddesh focuses on experimental animation to convey his emotions. With over two decades of experience in the animation industry, Siddesh has worked in various roles, including writer, designer, animator, and content creator. His goal is to create immersive visuals and storyboards for film and television, continuing to explore new ways to connect with audiences through his art.
Siddharth Malur
is an architect with a Master’s degree in Sustainable Habitat, earned in 2022, complementing his architectural degree from 2011. He is currently employed with a commercial real estate firm but remains deeply committed to addressing social and environmental issues. Siddharth actively engages in art projects that align with these causes, aiming to influence industries from within while fostering greater awareness externally
Velsina Rodrigues
has an M.Sc. and a Bachelor of Education. She is an educator and a researcher in the field of Botany with a love for plants and their intricacies.
Vasanth
is a developer passionate about creating better web experiences. Known for managing complex projects independently, he combines creative thinking with technical expertise to bring ideas to life. Dedicated to delivering intuitive and engaging solutions, Vasanth consistently pushes the boundaries of web development. Outside of work, Vasanth enjoys spending time with dogs and travelling, where he explores new places and cultures.
Yashas
has over 16 years of experience in front-end design, development, and marketing. He has successfully guided startups from their early stages to growth, transforming ideas into functioning businesses. As the founder of Social Script, Yashas specialises in rebranding marketing websites and creating effective digital solutions. Currently, he is exploring and integrating new AI tools and models into design and development workflows, continuously adapting to emerging technologies and innovative approaches.
