I help people.

Alumni of the Gandhi King Scholarly Exchange Initiative 2022 - program fostering youth leadership through the shared legacies of nonviolence and social justice of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Bachelor of Arts Psychology, Economics and Political Science – Osmania University, Hyderabad Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology – Osmania University, Hyderabad Post Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy – Asha The Hope, Bengaluru

My methods

EXPERIENCE

Expressive Arts Therapy

Uses creative expression for emotional insight and self-exploration

Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy

Integrates art-making with present-moment awareness

Existential Therapy

Explores meaning, personal values, and life choices..

Solution-Focused Therapy

Builds on strengths and focuses on future goals.

Walking in the Footsteps of Gandhi and King: My Journey Through the Inaugural Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative

Earlier in 2022, I had the honour of participating in the first cohort of the Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative—a transformative program launched by the U.S. Department of State to explore the enduring legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through the lens of social justice, nonviolence, and community leadership.

As one of 20 emerging civic leaders from India and the United States, I was immersed in an enriching journey of academic study, cross-cultural dialogue, and experiential learning that profoundly reshaped my understanding of leadership and social change.

From the U.S. South to India: A Journey Across Two Continents

The program began with a virtual orientation, followed by an intensive two-week academic residency at Alabama A&M University and the University of Alabama. We participated in seminars on nonviolent resistance, equity, and civic leadership, while also visiting pivotal sites in the American civil rights movement—Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham, Memphis, and Atlanta.

Standing on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma—where John Lewis and many others risked their lives for voting rights—was a moment I will never forget. It wasn’t just a history lesson; it was a reminder of the courage required to challenge injustice and the responsibility we carry forward.

In January, our cohort reunited in India to explore Gandhi’s philosophy where it was born. From the Sabarmati Ashram to grassroots initiatives in rural communities, we experienced how nonviolence continues to be a powerful force for change, grounded in compassion, empathy, and inclusion.

What I Took Away

More than just an academic exchange, this initiative was an awakening. I came away with:

• A deeper appreciation of nonviolent leadership as both a principle and a practice.

• Renewed commitment to community-centred change.

• An international network of peers equally passionate about advancing justice.

The program challenged me to rethink how I lead—not with power, but with empathy, patience, and moral clarity. It taught me that advocacy isn’t just about speaking up; it’s also about listening deeply, building coalitions, and staying grounded in love.

Looking Ahead

As I continue my work, I carry the teachings of Gandhi and King not as abstract ideals, but as daily practices. I’m incredibly grateful to the U.S. Department of State, our faculty mentors, and fellow participants for making this experience so meaningful.

To anyone passionate about social justice, equity, or civic leadership: seek out experiences that push you to grow, connect, and act. This was one of those for me.