

Ahaana Festival 2025


Yoni ki Baat Artists

Avleen Kaur
Avleen lives her life as a song—composed of nature’s wisdom, the laughter of loved ones, and the quiet knowing of the earth. Deeply rooted in her Sikh heritage, she carries forward the spirit of her brave and poetic ancestors through the practice of ਚੜ੍ਹਦੀ ਕਲਾ (‘rising spirit’). Joy is sacred to her—found in shared meals, soulful stories, and art that opens the heart. Community is her sanctuary, where healing blooms in togetherness.
Born and raised in Delhi, Avleen has always felt the rhythm of two worlds. She moved to the U.S. at 22 to follow her sacred calling as a therapist, yet her family remains her anchor. Today, she lives in Pacifica, CA, held by her chosen family and the ocean’s steady pulse. This dual belonging shapes both her spirit and her work—grounded in tradition, open to the new.
From a young age, she was drawn to the mysteries of the psyche and the stories we carry. Now, she works in community mental health with youth in San Francisco, offering healing to their tender places through presence, play, and love. Music, poetry, and dance bring her home to herself—especially among the trees and tides, the pulse of her life.

Mohini Gima
Mohini weaves science, psychology, social justice, and ancestral wisdom to guide South Asian queens, Ranis, to reclaim their roots, remix tradition and truth, and rise in radical self-trust.
A former Speech Language Pathologist who swapped clinical charts for cultural change, she’s the founder of Rani Rising: a soul-led coaching community where Ranis break cycles of silence, shame, suppression, and self-sacrifice, and instead embody their desires, their voice, and their truth.
With a devotion to communication, connection, and collective care, Mohini’s work ignites transformation you feel in your bones, not just understand in your mind. This sparks revolutionary relationships where Ranis stop shrinking, speak with power, and build liberatory relationships that feel like coming home to themselves - safe, seen, wild, and fully human - beyond who they were told to become.
Through it all, she remains a creative, author, art-ivist, facilitator, thriver, podcast host (shoutout to Rani Radio), mango enthusiast, and unofficial 90s R&B historian.
Connect with Mohini on Instagram
@iammohinigima because you’re a Rani ready to rise.

Roshni Shah
Roshni's dream is to live beyond labels, finding liberation in the freedom that comes from existing beyond definitions and embracing life's adventures. Like her name, which means "light," she aspires to be recognized for the way she shines through life's journey, across cultures, ideas, and challenging times, with an unwavering spirit of trust and wisdom passed down from her ancestors.
Inspired by her mother's resilience and ability to flourish despite life's constraints, Roshni founded MeriMira.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing spaces for heart-centered healing within the South Asian Diaspora in both the US and India. As a coach, facilitator, and community leader, Roshni champions empowerment through storytelling, self-discovery, and spiritual connection. She divides her time between her two homes in India and the United States and invites you to connect with her at FollowtheRoshni.com.

Divya Kakaiya
Not only is Divya Kakaiya a Survivor, but she is also a Thriver. She attributes all her strength to her mom and dad who raised her with love, connection, and deep reverence for integrity. Being raised in Kenya has added a huge influence on her view of the world. Having lived in San Diego since 1979 she has seen our community blossom, and the city grow by leaps and bounds.
As a Psychologist and Neuroscientist one of Divya’s strongest attributes is her ability to connect communities. She has 2 beautiful children Roshni and Kush who are incredibly loving, kind, and happy human beings. Being a Rotarian and a Girl Scout, she has served on those Boards as well as Crime Stoppers. Creating communities where ALL voices are heard is one of Divya’s foremost passions. She was drawn to YKB since vulnerability is a skill she attempts to teach her patients! She has been an AVID supporter of everything Nanda:)
To connect with Dr. Divya Kakaiya,
www.healthywithin.com

Chetna Mehta
Chetna Mehta (she/they) is a granddaughter of Indian and South African diasporas. She is a multidisciplinary artist, creativity doula and founder of Mosaiceye Collective.
Learn more at
chetnamehta.co and mosaiceyecollective.com.
She offers resources, programs, and spaces for changemakers to fiercely soften into trust, play, healing, connection, and expansive collaboration. They wrote and illustrated the "I Am Devoted" Playbook and the "Cultivating Abundance Mentality" Coloring Book. Chetna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. She is based on Muwekma Ohlone tribal land, known as Berkeley, California.

Sunaina Mehta
Sunaina Mehta is a storyteller, strategist, and founder of The Leela Collective, a platform that amplifies the voices of enterprising South Asian women navigating identity, creativity, and belonging. Once an architect, then a brand marketing leader, and now a sake educator and design thinking consultant, Sunaina is embracing personal storytelling as a means to explore deeper aspects of her journey.
"When there is nobody, know that you are somebody." This guiding reminder has shaped Sunaina’s path, one defined by diverse and transformative experiences taking her from the Bronx to Dayton, New Delhi, and twice back to the States again. Through Yoni Ki Baat, she examines the quiet rebellions and ancestral wisdom that have defined her as an Indian American woman, reclaiming her voice, desire, and independence along the way. In her work, Sunaina strives to inspire others to reflect on their own stories and navigate life's complexities with confidence and authenticity.
MenOlogues Artists

Sachin Barot
Sachin Barot is a former Wall Street executive turned entrepreneur, who has transformed deep personal and professional setbacks into a life of purpose, healing, and service. After a failed cannabis science venture, Sachin embarked on a journey of self-reflection that rewired not only his business approach but his entire being.
Today, he blends neuroscience, executive coaching, and conscious leadership to help high performers align success with true well-being. Sachin’s story is a raw, real reminder that failure can be our greatest teacher—and that the path to fulfillment starts with the courage to look within.
Get in touch at www.sachinbarot.com

KD
Originally from Delhi, KD has called the US home for 27 years, residing in the Bay Area with his wife Preeti, their two young sons, and their Havanese dog. He lived in Seattle for several years and remains an avid Seahawks fan.
An executive in the tech services industry with two startup ventures under his belt, KD has a knack for breaking down complex tech trends and explaining their potential impact. He also serves on the advisory board for San Francisco State University's business program and mentors high school students. In his free time, KD enjoys long-distance road cycling, wine, coffee, cooking, and watching movies and shows with his wife. His goal is to live a healthy and long life of 120 years!
Music Artists

Prajakta Parab
Prajakta Parab is a vocalist and musician based in California, originally from India, with years of performance experience across India and the U.S. Trained in Hindustani Classical music and influenced by Western classical and jazz, she brings depth, finesse, and versatility to her performances, moving effortlessly through genres like Thumri, ghazals, jazz, and fusion, drawing audiences in with her expressive voice and presence.
Learn more at: www.prajaktaparabmusic.com

Vinay Kumar
Vinay Kumar, a versatile guitarist and songwriter with several albums to his credit. Blending jazz, rock, and Indian classical influences, Vinay has crafted a distinctive sound that resonates with diverse audiences. Currently performing throughout the Southern California club circuit, his performances highlight both technical skill and emotional depth.

Raj Singh
Raj Singh, a drummer and percussionist from California, adds rhythmic texture to the group with extensive experience across rock, jazz, R&B, pop, and country. His style is shaped by years of playing and influences from renowned session musicians spanning several decades.