Ayesha Ganguly

I believe I am an individual who has been born again after a fierce struggle for independence, and a drive to live my life on my terms. I have tremendous faith in the human potential, resilience and power of one. This is primarily my motivation to offer to the world Phase Five.

Academically I am a product of psychology and international politics and more recently a course in entrepreneurship. My active involvement with the Association of Youth for a Better India (an awareness based youth NGO) influenced my thoughts and actions greatly in my college days and the passion to work towards active citizenship, good governance, an understanding our connections with the environment, democratic spaces and processes and creating diverse opportunities for the youth, emerged from then on.

Creative pursuits have been in the fields of writing, editing, media related research and design for effective communication through print and internet.

My lifeline is music and good cinema, both being a profound learning and inspiring experience for me. Realizing a dream with its triumphs and tribulations excites me and I would like to pass that excitement on to all people especially young people.

Leslie Nazareth

Some labels for me are: Environmentalist, Musician and Technician. I worked as a Farm Manager and the Farm consultant for 16 years at the Initiatives of Change (IofC) centre in Panchgani, Western India. Starting with conventional modern farming, after a couple of years I switched to more ecological practices. I also participated in IofC campaigns in India and overseas, facilitating training in schools colleges, industry and business and promoting social transformation through personal change. Much of this was through my contributions in the use of music and theatre. A short stint serving at a rehabilitation centre for Drug Addicts in Nagaland was quite a special experience.

I feel part of the family of individuals and NGOs working in the field of education, natural farming, and environmentalism all over the country in rural and remote areas. Currently, as I am based in Mumbai city, urban issues and NGOs have come more into focus. Here I have worked with Association of Youth for a Better India (AYBI) as the administrative manager looking after office administration, finance and accounts; coordinating and executing logistics for various projects and participating in the training of young people.

As part time activities, I teach music and do maintenance and repairs of audio equipment and systems.

Vinod Sreedhar

My strongest need in life is to find freedom in all aspects ranging from the personal to the social and to encourage others walking down the same path. My academic background is in the field of commerce.

I have been an active member of Association of Youth for a Better India (AYBI) as Project Coordinator for the Indo-Pak Peace project. This time spent working with AYBI has been one of the most insightful and transformational experiences in my life. My relationship with the world has changed from being cynical and negative to one that is constantly exploring and testing existing boundaries.

The experience of conceptualizing and setting up Phase Five has created a deep interest in me in living an ecologically sustainable life. Since the last five years, I have been composing music professionally for television commercials, films and corporate videos. Occasionally, I also write for certain publications on issues that interest me. Sincere people, books, music and films often bring a smile to my face.