Khushnam Engineer
Khushnam Engineer is a psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience supporting adults and children through anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. At The Vahishta Foundation, she offers one-on-one therapy sessions that help individuals explore their inner world, build resilience, and move toward healing.
Her work also extends into the community, where she leads therapeutic group sessions with the elderly in old age homes, children in orphanages, and residents of under-resourced bastis—creating spaces of care, connection, and recovery for those affected by trauma, abandonment, and neglect.
In addition to her therapeutic work, Khushnam plays a vital role in the Foundation’s organisational functioning, contributing her insight and support across various areas of planning, communication, and development. She is also committed to mentoring psychology students through the Foundation’s Internship Programme, helping shape them into compassionate, skilled mental health professionals.
Radhika Ursekar
Radhika Ursekar plays several key roles at The Vahishta Foundation, bringing dedication, compassion, and strength to each one. As a therapist, she works one-on-one with individuals, helping them navigate and heal deep-seated traumas and inner conflicts with a firm yet patient approach.
Passionate about mentoring, Radhika also trains psychology students with care and commitment, generously sharing the knowledge and insight she has gained through her years of learning under Dr. Farrokh Buchia.
In addition to her therapeutic and teaching roles, she manages vital aspects of the Foundation’s operations—including accounts, compliance, audits, and other essential functions that keep the NGO running smoothly. Radhika also co-leads the outreach team with Khushnam Engineer, heading work in old age homes, bastis, and orphanages, where she continues to bring healing and connection to those most in need
Arya Timblo
Arya Punj Timblo is a seasoned adult and child psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience in London, Mumbai, and Goa. She holds a Master’s Degree with a Specialisation in Psychotherapy and Counselling from Regent’s College, London. Her diverse roles have included working as a psychotherapist, school counsellor, group facilitator, lecturer, writer, and supervisor.
At The Vahishta Foundation, Arya has been deeply engaged for the past nine months, particularly in our old age home initiatives. She finds immense fulfilment in designing and leading both group and individual therapeutic activities. Whether supporting bed-ridden clients, those who are visually impaired, or individuals navigating emotional fragility, Arya’s strength lies in intuitively understanding each person’s unique needs. Through creative and compassionate engagement, she helps them access emotional expression, connection, and relief.
Welcome to Vahishta
Shagufta Bhattacharya
Jasmine Wadia
Jasmine has been with The Vahishta Foundation for the past four years, where she brings her passion and creativity to developing innovative recreational therapy techniques for the elderly. These techniques are thoughtfully designed to support therapeutic group work, enhance memory, cognition, and both fine and gross motor skills, while also fostering a sense of connection and belonging within the community.
In addition to her work with the elderly, Jasmine plays an active role in fundraising efforts, engaging with high-net-worth individuals, trusts, and corporates to support the Foundation’s mission. Bringing smiles to the faces of those she serves remains her most cherished reward.
Malini Shroff
Malini Shroff has been a dedicated volunteer with The Vahishta Foundation for over three years. Her regular visits to old age homes bring comfort, joy, and companionship to elderly residents who eagerly await her presence. Whether through engaging activities or simply listening with care, Malini helps them feel seen, valued, and loved.
With over 30 years of experience as a private tutor, Malini also shares a natural connection with children. At the orphanage, her storytelling and creative play create moments of joy and emotional bonding. For Malini, being part of Vahishta is both meaningful and transformative — a way to give back while building deep human connections
Welcome to Vahishta
Neera Punj
Neera Punj has been part of The Vahishta Foundation since its inception, bringing with her a deep commitment to social change and community care. She actively engages with elderly residents and children in institutional care, using interactive activities and compassionate presence to ease emotional pain and foster connection.
In 1997, Neera initiated CitiSpace, a city-wide movement in Mumbai dedicated to the protection of public open spaces — parks, gardens, rivers, mangroves, and more. With a clear vision of environmental stewardship, CitiSpace empowered citizens to know their rights and engage with civic authorities for the preservation and restoration of these vital commons.
Her work — both at Vahishta and through CitiSpace — reflects her lifelong dedication to creating spaces, emotional and environmental, where healing and dignity can thrive.
Rakhee Grover
Rakhee has been volunteering with The Vahishta Foundation for the past three years, offering her time and care to the elderly in old age homes and children in orphanages. She helps design and facilitate meaningful recreational therapy techniques for the elderly and uses narrative therapy through storytelling with children, creating safe, healing spaces for expression and connection. Her work with the Foundation has been both impactful and deeply enriching
Gayathri Chandrasekaran
Akshay Lodha
Akshay has been with The Vahishta Foundation for the past two years, contributing his skills in accounting and financial management to support the organisation’s operations. With an M.Com. degree and a strong interest in administration, he ensures smooth financial functioning at the Foundation.
Akshay is also deeply passionate about working with underprivileged children, having previously been involved with Hamara Footpath NGO, where he focused on their education and well-being. Currently pursuing his M.A. in Psychology, Akshay is committed to deepening his ability to serve and support vulnerable communities through both practical and psychological care.