Team ManoRaksha (ManoRakshak)
Our ManoRakshaks
Dedicated Professionals. United by Purpose. Driven by Impact.
At ManoRaksha, our greatest strength is our people, our ManoRakshaks. We are a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, psychotherapists, researchers, legal professionals, behavioural scientists, leadership consultants, educators, policy strategists, and community development experts committed to transforming mental health and psychosocial wellbeing.
Bound by a shared mission of Protecting Minds. Transforming Futures., our professionals combine scientific expertise with compassion, innovation, and integrity to deliver evidence-based solutions across clinical care, schools, universities, healthcare institutions, corporations, communities, and public systems.
Every ManoRakshak brings unique knowledge, lived experience, and professional excellence, working collaboratively to strengthen resilience, promote psychological safety, develop future-ready leaders, and build healthier individuals, organizations, and communities.
Together, we are not just delivering mental health services, we are shaping a future where wellbeing, human potential, and institutional excellence go hand in hand.
The Leadership
Get to know the minds behind the mission, driven by depth, discipline, and real outcomes....!!
Shivangi Vyas
Chief Wellbeing Officer (CWO)
Ms. Shivangi is a clinically trained psychologist known for precision, presence, and decisive clinical judgment. QPR certified from the USA, she delivers timely, high-impact interventions in situations that demand clarity, calm, and accountability. With a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and Astrology, she integrates evidence-based therapy with a nuanced understanding of emotional patterns, inner dynamics, and human behaviour.
She supervises programs addressing developmental disorders and brings extensive hands-on experience in Occupational Therapy–led ASD care. Leading multidisciplinary teams of special educators and rehabilitation psychologists, she has managed complex ASD cases with structured, outcome-driven approaches.
An active member of multiple mental health boards, she is respected for rigorous clinical supervision and grounded leadership. In school mental health programs, she has designed and executed interventions that move beyond theory into measurable change. Quietly consistent and deeply committed, her work demonstrates a clear principle: when insight is supported by structure, healing becomes sustainable.
Dr. Ankita Singh, IIT-Roorkee
Research Officer
Dr. Ankita Singh is a specialist in Biotechnology and Bioengineering from IIT Roorkee, with research expertise at the intersection of protein science, neurobiology, and mental health–related hormonal pathways. Her work focuses on understanding molecular and biochemical mechanisms influencing brain function, stress response, and mental wellbeing, contributing to integrative and translational mental health research. She has served as a well known faculty for life science and biotechnology across various institutions.
Urvashi Mishra
Clinical Advisor (CA)
Ms. Urvashi is an RCI-licensed Clinical Psychologist, currently posted at the District Hospital, Vidisha (NMH, Madhya Pradesh), working where psychology meets real human struggle. From hospital wards to school corridors, she brings calm, clarity, and competence.
Her journey spans Kendriya Vidyalaya and the NCERT Centre, Bhopal, where she turned mental health support into something students could actually relate to. Trained by NIMHANS and the QPR Institute, with specialized courses in Art Therapy, Psychological Assessment, and Rehabilitation, she blends science with creativity and care.
No buzzwords. No shortcuts.
Just grounded, evidence-based work that is quietly strengthening Government of MP programs, one student, one system, one life at a time.
Dr. Vivek Kumar (SMIEEE, Fellow-SCRS)
Consultant & Head of AI Research (NLP & Behavioral AI)
Dr. Vivek Kumar is proof that you can build world-class impact without chasing noise. He is one of the few distinguised "International Marie Curie Fellow". You will find him speaking at the world’s top conferences, shaping the future of AI and mental health, and then choosing to return to a quiet village with clean air, silence, and peace. Simple life, serious work.
An internationally recognized researcher, he is currently a Research Scientist at the ADAPT Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin. His core strength lies in Natural Language Processing and Generative AI, with a deep focus on integrating machine learning into mental health systems. His work spans empathetic AI, responsible and safe AI in behavioral therapy, bias-aware systems, sentiment analysis, and psychology-informed language models.
Beyond academia, he has served as an aide to multiple embassies for India, contributed to United Nations health programs in Africa, and travelled across nearly the entire globe. From EU Horizon leadership roles to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship, and collaborations across Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Russia, and India, his work carries both global scale and human intent.
No hype. No performative success. Just purpose, depth, and movement.
This person is not a résumé. This person is a passion.
P. S. Rajawat, DCMH, PhD
Fellow & Sr. Consultant, ManoRaksha
Lovingly known as Raje by the tribal communities of Central India, Prof. Rajawat is a behavioural scientist and systems architect redefining human excellence through the fusion of ancient wisdom and futuristic technologies, quantum science, AI, and advanced human optimization frameworks.
A trained yoga therapist, Jungian coach, polyglot, and innovator holding patents in Brain Computer Interface tools and excellence systems, he bridges science, spirituality, and technology to unlock human potential. His work spans advising cabinet-level policymakers, preparing next-generation business leaders, supporting marginalized communities, and democratizing mental health and wellbeing in the Gandhian spirit, from elite spaces to the last person in society....!!
He believes reality is a subjective experience while consciousness is collective and what you see is not equal to reality...The realities can be edited and that human memories can be engineered, shared, and redefined. Exploring the paradox of logic and myth, he values transformation beyond traditional equations, believing more in b² > 4ac than E = mc², and advocating that unlearning surpasses learning and relearning.
Ms. Mamta Gulia
Policy Analyst & Community Development Officer (PA & CDO)
From Research to Reforms….
Ms. Mamta’s journey blends Education, Public Policy, and Social Innovation.
An academic achiever and researcher, she is passionate about understanding societies, analysing challenges, and designing people-centred solutions. Her interests span public health, youth wellbeing, governance, digital literacy, and behavioural research. She joins ManoRaksha as OSE - Policy Analyst to transform data into decisions and ideas into impact.
Mamta brings a strong academic foundation in Public Policy, Education, Research, and Governance. She is a graduate in B.A. (Hons.) Education from Rishihood University, where she demonstrated outstanding academic performance, and has pursued advanced studies in Public Policy at Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Her professional journey includes valuable experiences with organizations such as Varahe Analytics, Rashtram School of Public Leadership, NCERT-CIET, Freedom World Group, and other research and policy initiatives, where she worked on policy research, analytics, educational studies, content development, and public policy engagement.
At ManoRaksha, Mamta contributes towards policy analysis, strategic planning, research, institutional development, governance support, policy documentation, and strengthening evidence-based interventions aligned with our mission of creating resilient individuals and healthier communities...!!
Our ManoRakshak
Dedicated professionals driving our success
Adv. Puja Singh Rana
Psycho-legal Counsellor (ManoRaksha- OSA)
LL.B., MA(Psychology), PGD(Guidance & Counselling)
Adv. Pooja Singh’s work stands at the intersection of justice, compassion, and transformative advocacy. Trained in psychology and law, she has dedicated her career to defending the rights, dignity, and safety of women and children, not only as a counselor but also as an active legal professional and changemaker.
Whether guiding survivors through trauma, advocating within legal frameworks, or raising awareness at the grassroots level, Pooja embodies a rare blend of empathy and courage, working tirelessly to create safer spaces, stronger voices, and meaningful change for women and children.
Ms. Ashina Arora
Psychologist (FLOS-PSY)
Meet Ms. Ashina Arora. A passionate psychology scholar from Panjab University, Ashina brings a strong foundation in clinical understanding, counselling, mental health advocacy, and community engagement.
Her journey reflects a deep commitment towards creating safer and healthier spaces for individuals. From working with mental health institutions and counselling students in schools to gaining practical exposure in clinical settings, she has explored the real-world impact of psychological care.
She has worked with individuals across diverse backgrounds, assisting in psychological assessments, understanding therapeutic approaches such as CBT and MBCR, supporting case discussions, and learning the nuances of evidence-based mental healthcare.
Beyond clinical spaces, Ashina has actively contributed to NGOs, mental health awareness initiatives, and de-addiction awareness programmes, reflecting her belief that mental health support should reach every corner of society.
A multi-dimensional individual with interests beyond psychology, she brings creativity, communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and a spirit of continuous learning.
Ms. Yukta Bansal
Psychologist (FLOS-PSY) & Resource Person
Yukta Bansal is a Psychologist, Career Counsellor, and Emotional Well-being Specialist, and a valued member of the ManoRaksha team. With over 1,000 hours of counselling, training, and facilitation experience, she specialises in adolescent mental health, career guidance, emotional resilience, and evidence-based psychosocial interventions. Her expertise includes CBT, REBT, SFBT, trauma-informed care, psychological first aid, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL), helping individuals and institutions build healthier, more resilient communities.
As part of ManoRaksha, Yukta contributes to counselling services, capacity-building programmes, school mental health initiatives, and psychosocial training. Her experience spans schools, universities, coaching institutes, national crisis helplines, and preventive mental health programmes. A QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper, Career Counsellor, and Child Safeguarding professional, she combines clinical knowledge with practical, research-driven approaches to promote accessible and impactful mental healthcare.
Tanya Bansal
Psychologist (FLOS-PSY)
Tanya Bansal is a Psychologist at ManoRaksha, contributing to our mission of delivering ethical, evidence-based, and holistic mental healthcare. She brings a strong academic foundation in Clinical Psychology along with experience in counselling, developmental coaching, psychological training, and hypnotherapy.
At ManoRaksha, Tanya works towards promoting psychological well-being through compassionate, client-centered interventions, empowering individuals and communities with research-informed mental health services. Her commitment to empathy, professional excellence, and continuous learning strengthens our vision of making quality mental healthcare accessible, ethical, and impactful.
Through her dedication and expertise, Tanya contributes to ManoRaksha's commitment to Protecting Minds. Transforming Futures.
Palak Parashar
Psychologist (FLOS-PSY)
Palak Parashar is a Clinical and Counselling Psychologist, researcher, and mental health professional with experience spanning clinical practice, psychological research, rehabilitation, and community mental health. She holds an M.Sc. in Clinical & Counselling Psychology from Gautam Buddha University and has worked across hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and research organizations. A UGC-NET qualified psychologist, Palak has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and actively contributes to research on psychotherapy, resilience, digital mental health, and emerging psychological issues.
At ManoRaksha, she serves as FLOS-PSY, contributing to psychological services, research, mental health promotion, and evidence-based interventions to strengthen individual and community wellbeing.
Our Operational Support Interns (OSIs)
Esther Ayanbode
Community Development Intern 2.0-2026
Meet Esther Ayanbode, our International Research & Community Development Intern, bringing a global perspective and a passion for advancing health through science, research, and collaboration. A microbiology graduate with a strong foundation in pharmaceutical quality control, laboratory sciences, and research practices, Esther combines analytical thinking, precision, and innovation with a deep commitment to creating meaningful social impact.
Driven by curiosity, excellence, and a desire to make a lasting impact, Esther represents the next generation of global health professionals, bridging science, research, and community engagement to help build healthier, more resilient communities across borders.
Noopur Bhatkar
Research Intern 2.0- 2026 | MPFRCC 2.0 Participant
Noopur Bhatkar is an aspiring psychologist and Research Intern at ManoRaksha, currently pursuing her M.Sc. in Psychology at the Indian Institute of Psychology and Research. With training in counselling psychology, she has experience in case history documentation, DSM-5, and evidence-based psychological practice. Passionate about research and mental health advocacy, she contributes to projects promoting psychological well-being and community impact. Her strengths include empathetic communication, critical thinking, active listening, collaboration, and research aptitude. She is committed to advancing ethical, evidence-driven mental health practices through research, counselling, and lifelong learning.
Rishita Bhatia
Community Development Intern 2.0- 2026 | MPFRCC 2.0 Participant
Rishita Bhatia is a Psychology Intern at ManoRaksha, passionate about promoting mental health, emotional well-being, and community-based psychosocial support. As an emerging mental health professional, she is strengthening her skills in psychological assessment, counselling support, research, programme implementation, and evidence-based mental health practices while gaining practical exposure to diverse community settings.
At ManoRaksha, Rishita contributes to mental health awareness initiatives, psychosocial interventions, research, capacity-building programmes, and community outreach activities. Through hands-on learning and professional mentorship, she is developing competencies in preventive mental healthcare while supporting ManoRaksha's mission of making quality mental health services accessible, compassionate, and impactful.
Shriya Sharma
Field Intern | OSI 2026
Shriya Sharma is a Field Intern at ManoRaksha, contributing to field-based psychological interventions, community mental health initiatives, research, and psychosocial support activities. She holds an M.A. in Psychology from the Institute for Excellence in Higher Education (IEHE), Bhopal, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology Honours from the same institution. Her academic work has focused on psychological well-being, academic procrastination, gender, and defence mechanisms, reflecting her interest in understanding behavioural and psychosocial factors affecting individuals and communities.
Shriya brings practical exposure in psycho-oncology and counselling, having trained at Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer Hospital & Research Center. Her experience includes emotional support, coping and stress management, active listening, therapeutic communication, and supervised counselling. At ManoRaksha, she works across field interventions, mental health promotion, community engagement, psychological research, documentation, and psychosocial support, with a focus on translating psychological knowledge into meaningful, evidence-informed practice.
Event Manager- Macafé
Meet Ms. Arushi Garg, Event Manager of ManoRaksha’s Macafé, the person who keeps the vibe grounded while everything else feels like a perfectly unfolding story.
With real-world experience from the film industry (yes, actual IMDb credits 👀), Arushi brings cinematic-level coordination and people skills to Macafé. She has worked in the casting department on projects such as Dhadak 2 (2025) and is associated with film and OTT environments where precision, creativity, and handling diverse personalities are everyday essentials. (IMDb)
Projects Done Earlier:
Feature Films —> Janhit Mein Jaari, Dhadak 2 (Casting Assistant), Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, Ulajh, Dr G, Stree, Stree 2, Selfiee, Fukrey 3.
Web Series —> Sixer, Gullak, Guturgu, Patna Shukla, Panchayat, What A Kismat.
Structured yet spontaneous, calm yet fun, she’s the one ensuring that your forest immersion, stargazing nights, and deep conversations actually happen without you noticing the thousand tiny details being handled in the background.
So when you see her around, say hello, share a laugh, maybe raise a toast together, and who knows… perhaps we’ll see you in the next movie 😉
Ms. Arushi Garg
Event Manager- Macafé
(ManoRaksha- OSA)