The Team
Mohd. Tarique
Mohd. Tarique an Ashoka Fellow, is a graduate in Political Science from Hindu College and Masters in Social Work from TISS. He founded Koshish, TISS Field Action Project on Homelessness and Destitution in 2006. Tarique has been part of several committees, at Central government including Member, Special Committee constituted by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India Member, Working Group, National Urban Health Mission and Planning Commission’s Sub committee on Strengthening Community Engagement in Higher Education Institutions. Tarique has been part of Law drafting committees (on destitution) constituted by the States of Maharashtra and Delhi, apart from reviewing the Bihar law and preparing an alternative draft. Currently, he is drafting ‘State Policy on Destitution’ for Bihar state. A firm believer in youth energy, Tarique engages extensively with young people. He has also authored and coauthored academic papers and research studies on the issues of Urban Poverty.
Pallavi Thakare
Pallavi Thakare has over twenty years of dedicated experience in the development sector. Ms. Pallavi Thakare leads community interventions for Sam-Haq Trust in Mumbai. As Coordinator, she plays a pivotal role in addressing the needs of homeless women, particularly those brought in by the Institutions. Her work spans individual casework, group work, and long-term rehabilitation planning, providing crucial support and guidance to vulnerable populations.
Ms. Thakare is a core team member of the Rationing Kruti Samiti Maharashtra, actively involved at both grassroots and policy levels to ensure access to ration entitlements for Mumbai’s homeless communities. She served as a committee member of Administration of Centrally Sponsored Schemes Sakhi One Stop Center under the Mumbai Suburban District Women and Child Development Office. Her advocacy efforts are rooted in direct engagement and system-level reforms.
Pallavi loves travelling and exploring new places. She enjoys listening to music and trying out new recipes. She especially loves listening to beautiful old songs.
Shekhar Thapa
Shekhar is a seasoned social work professional with over twenty years of dedicated experience in advocating for the rights and dignity of homeless and marginalised populations across India. His work spans grassroots outreach, health, and psychosocial intervention. He has been associated with reputed organisations such as Balprafulta, CHILDLINE, Yuva, Saathi Raichur, and Koshish - field action project of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). Known for his deep empathy, field-based insight, and unwavering commitment to social justice, Shekhar continues to be a voice for the most marginalised communities in urban and rural India through his current work at Sam-Haq Trust.
In his personal life, Shekhar enjoys spending time with his cat and in nature. Shekhar enjoys cooking, travelling and gardening.
Shashikant Bhalerao
Shashikant Bhalerao completed a Certificate Course in Social Work (Para Professional Course) from Nirmala Niketan College of Social Work, University of Mumbai. He began his professional journey in 1989, working with persons engaged in begging, homeless individuals, vulnerable children, and marginalised women’s communities.
Over the years, he provided leadership in housing and youth initiatives for street children and homeless populations, with a strong focus on women’s empowerment, children’s education, and rehabilitation of the homeless. He actively engaged in advocacy for the rights of homeless communities and persons engaged in begging, including efforts to challenge punitive laws related to homelessness.
Recognised for his unwavering dedication, integrity, and deep commitment to human dignity, Shashikant has consistently worked towards bringing positive change in the lives of those who are often ignored and unheard.
Nilesh Kamble
Nilesh Kamble is a dedicated social work professional with expertise in mental health and community development. He holds a Master’s in Economics from S.P. College, Pune, and a Master’s in Social Work (Mental Health) from TISS, Mumbai. Since 2017, he has been working extensively on issues of homelessness and mental health, supporting vulnerable individuals through counselling, rehabilitation, and family reintegration.
As a Master Trainer with the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Nilesh plays a key role in strengthening capacities within the sector by guiding professionals and community workers on effective approaches to social inclusion. Alongside his professional work, he is an avid reader of history with a keen interest in archaeology. He holds a strong belief that love and sincere efforts can make a meaningful difference.
Shahid Afroz
Shahid holds a PhD in Comparative Politics and Political Theory from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. His academic training and practical engagement come together in examining destitution, homelessness, and the criminalisation of poverty. His work seeks to capture the lived experiences of people surviving on the margins of society, bringing together macro perspectives with micro narratives that reveal everyday struggles and resilience.
Beyond his professional role, Shahid’s interests in cinema, literature, and narratives of myth and faith shape his approach to knowledge and his outlook on the human condition. Far from being separate, these pursuits deepen his work, offering language and imagery to approach questions of dignity, vulnerability, and human survival. By drawing upon multiple traditions of thought and expression, he strives to make his writing sensitive to both structural forces as well as the small details of human life, so that it remains rigorous yet humane.
Asif Iqbal
Asif Iqbal completed his Master’s in Sociology from Jamia Millia Islamia in 2004. Since 2005, he has been deeply engaged in working on the issue of homelessness, supporting individuals in vulnerable situations, and helping them find safety, stability, and dignity. Over the past two decades, he has worked with diverse communities including homeless individuals, people with mental illness, and families in distress. His work has focused on providing emotional support, facilitating rehabilitation, and strengthening community networks for those on the margins of society.
Asif’s approach is rooted in compassion and understanding. He believes that meaningful social change begins with listening to people’s stories, respecting their experiences, and empowering them to reclaim their sense of self-worth. His love for travelling and meeting new people has further broadened his perspective and helped him build deeper, more authentic connections with the communities he works with.
Aliya Rakiba
Aliya Rakiba is a mental health professional with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. Her work spans mental hospitals, custodial care, online therapy, drug de-addiction centres, and conflict-affected zones, where she has conducted workshops and provided vital support to communities in need. Since joining Sam-Haq Trust, Aliya has been deeply engaged with marginalised communities, striving to make mental health a normal and open conversation. She believes that mental health challenges are often higher among marginalised populations, making it essential to raise awareness and highlight the importance of self-healing practices. Outside of her professional work, Aliya enjoys watching animated movies, snowskating, and playing table tennis.
Prashik Tayde
Prashik Tayde holds a Master’s in Social Work and has dedicated over six years to working with children from vulnerable communities. With a strong foundation in life skills education, he has consistently strived to create opportunities for children and youth to grow, learn, and thrive.Prashik has worked extensively on issues of homelessness, ensuring that children have access to education and support systems. He has also guided school dropouts toward night schools, helping them rebuild confidence and continue their educational journey.What makes Prashik stand out is his genuine passion for working with children and young people. He believes in nurturing potential, building resilience, and walking alongside them as they overcome challenges. Beyond his professional work, Prashik enjoys playing football, a sport that reflects his team spirit, energy, and enthusiasm.
Aashish Suvarna
Aashish Suvarna is an experienced accounting and finance professional with over eight years of dedicated service in financial management, statutory compliance, and reporting. He holds a Bachelor of Management Studies and has completed his Post Graduation in Commerce from the University of Mumbai.Beginning his professional journey in 2017, Aashish developed a strong foundation in accounting and taxation while working with CA Firm after which he had Big corporates. He is known for his attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to maintaining accurate financial records and regulatory compliance. His dedication to professional growth and his consistent contribution to organisational financial operations make him a valued member of the finance function.
Neetu Kumari
Neetu has completed her Master of Arts in Sociology from IGNOU. She has been actively involved in social work from a very young age. At an early stage of her career, she worked as a Field Coordinator with an NGO called HAI (Humanitarian Aid International), where she worked with vulnerable and underprivileged communities.During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Neetu made a significant contribution to social service. She organised vaccination camps at various locations and encouraged people to get vaccinated, distributed food to those in need, and provided all possible support to helpless and destitute individuals. Her work has been driven by dedication, compassion, and a strong sense of humanity, reflecting her deep sensitivity toward the weaker and marginalised sections of society.
Yogita Saraf
Yogita is a mental health practitioner/psychotherapist and facilitator whose work bridges trauma-informed care, community engagement, and social justice. She holds a Bachelor's (Lady Shri Ram, Delhi University) and Master's degree in Psychology (Tata Institute of Social Sciences) with specialized training in trauma-informed approaches and working with children. Her practice draws on narrative and expressive arts methods alongside a systemic lens, allowing her to hold both the individual and the larger structures that shape a person's story. Equity sits at the center of everything she does. Over the course of her career, Yogita has worked closely with children, communities living below the poverty line, marginalized groups, and aims to bring a gender-sensitive, systems-aware, and justice-forward approach to her work. Her approach is grounded in the belief that healing and dignity are inseparable from the social conditions people navigate every day.
