The core impetus for creating a platform for youth came as a continuation of more than a decade of AURA’s work with children who come from communities and sections of society that have fewer privileges and almost no opportunities for self-exploration, learning how to emotionally regulate themselves and increasing their agency to speak up for their dreams and choices
As children (ages 9 to 16) went through several years of social emotional learning under AURA’s programs, the team at AURA discovered that there is a gap that needs to be filled at the crucial age when children become youth and step out of the comfort zone of family care. Youth is a particular life stage with its unique developmental characteristics. The psychological and emotional development of youth needs specific and curated attention and support so that they can flower into taking more individual and social responsibility.
When children enter universities, they are cast into a world of suddenly being considered ‘adult’ and taking independent decisions for their future, without adequate guidance or space for processing emotions.
We believe this stage is delicate, vulnerable, full of untapped potential and greatly important to nation building. SAMBHAV became a natural extension of AURA’s core work, as a response to address the needs of youth. SAMBHAV has its genesis in AURA, but over time has conceived its own momentum and identity with a dedicated team working to fulfil its objectives. It remains connected to the AURA infrastructure and operates independently.
“To venture is to risk… risk failure at multiple levels. To venture is also to learn… learn how to grow together. “
For SAMBHAV it was no different. Altaf and Jagruti had a common passion and intention to create space for socially conscious youth leadership. Stray conversations turned into a series and soon they committed to co-founding SAMBHAV!
Shivani, Trupty, Bhavina and Ashwini were the first few who rose to the call and joined them on the journey. Each one of these 6 people brought special talents to the creation. Most of all, they each brought tenacity, faith, physical and mental effort, emotional vulnerability and a boisterous energy to make visions manifest.
The work that this start-up team put in for the first 1000 days of the project laid a strong foundation for all the rest to emerge.
Their role will always be special.
With 30 years of experience, Altaf is a passionate co-creator of SAMBHAV .He co-founded SAATHI and Urja Trust as well, which work with marginalized youth. Altaf specializes in leadership and program planning and believes in fostering social change from within, focusing on the empowerment and inner resourcefulness of the youth in particular.
Gouri brings a distinctive interdisciplinary approach to her work, blending her Master’s in Physics with a thesis in Sociology. This unique background, combined with a passion for reading and creative expression, allows her to approach challenges with both an analytical mind and an artistic sensibility. She completed the yearlong SAMBHAV program, and joined the team to co-facilitate sessions and create engaging social media content. Her experience as a YIA participant coupled with her professional experience, provides her with a unique perspective to guide and inspire youth on their own leadership journeys.
Founder of AURA and co-founder of Stones2Milestones, Jagruti brings over 18 years of experience in educational change and family support. Her spiritual approach fosters clarity, compassion, creativity in learning, and harmonising social ties, making her a key force behind the conceptualisation and growth of SAMBHAV.
Sujata is a leadership and life coach committed to supporting individuals in unlocking their inner potential and leading fulfilling lives. With over two decades of experience across the corporate world as well as the non-profit sector, she brings a cross-sectoral perspective to her coaching practice.A certified Yoga teacher and advocate of holistic wellbeing, Sujata integrates principles of conscious living into all aspects of her life and work, creating space for deeper self-awareness, balance, and transformation.
Sambhav © 2026 | All Rights Reserved – Designed By SEOWebPlanet Solutions