Founders
Bade Kucukoglu Namasivayam
Bade is the Executive Director, and a co-founder, of MindVISA. She loves traveling and has extensively traveled in over 50 countries. Bade co-created – and implemented – a virtual-travel program for Indian teenage children. After graduating from Brandeis University with a master's degree in sustainable international development, she worked with MIT faculty directing a team of researchers on Indian economy; and was also the Secretary General of Women Entrepreneurship Association of Turkey.
Satheesh Namasivayam
Satheesh, a co-founder of MindVISA, has advised corporate boards across the world, for over 25 years, on leadership and governance. He has spoken at prominent international institutions and is the co-author of "Leading without Licence". Satheesh holds a Masters degree with a major in leadership from Harvard University. He also received an MBA and MS from Arizona State University. Earlier, he graduated with a BS in engineering from National Institute of Technology, Trichy, India.
Facilitating Partners
Rekha Tandon - Classical Dance
Rekha is a globally recognized, celebrated Odissi dancer of India, and Founder of Dance Routes. She has presented solo performances at many festivals in different parts of the world since 1985. Rekha’s work explores the common ground between classical and contemporary values in dance practice, encompassing embodiment, performance, choreography, and teaching. She completed her PhD in Dance Studies in Laban, London. Her book “Dance as Yoga” maps a dance practice grounded in an understanding of yoga.
Padma Shri VK Munusamy - Ancient art
V.K. Munusamy is a recipient of India’s 4th civilian honor, Padma Shri, for his mastery over terracotta sculpting, an indigenous art. V.K. Munusamy comes from a lineage of 22 generations of sculptors. Known globally for his innovative terracotta figures, his work is displayed in leading international museums. He frequently presents at multilateral conferences. V.K. Munusamy holds the world record for largest terracotta horse, and has been credited with bringing new innovations to an age-old art form.
SVARAM- Music
Founded in 2003, Svaram has been recognized by the UN Initiative “Music as a Global Resource” as one of its first 50 projects worldwide. Led by renowned musician and ethno-musicologist, Aurelio Hammer, Svaram is a vibrant community of researchers, artisans, designers, artists, and healers. It is also widely known for its innovative musical instruments.
Sankalpa Art Journeys - Expressive Arts
Founded by Krupa Jhaveri, a pioneer in the field of Expressive Arts in India, Sankalpa Art Journeys provides art therapy and creative empowerment programs, to facilitate insight and connection through art. The focus of Sankalpa work is to improve self-esteem through original self-expression, while also helping to bridge barriers through creativity.
Abul Kalam - Martial Arts
Abul Kalam, a national award-winning martial arts guru of India, specializes in Silambam, a 2500-years old weapons based South Indian martial art. Abul Kalam’s students regularly win gold medals at the national and Asian events. He teaches how to use a simple bamboo as an instrument for offense and defense.
Hari Prashanth & Narmatha K - Visual Arts & Indian Dance
Founders of HaaNa Studio, Hari and Narmatha, bring a wealth of experience in visual arts and modern, popular Indian dance-theatre forms. As a couple, they handhold students in a variety of activities to unify them across socio-economic boundaries. They act as chaperones for our students during domestic and international travel.