Leadership Team

A community health consultant working with the voluntary sector since 1993. Pioneered the self-help movement by spearheading the foundation of TISA. He has authored several books including the self-help bible of TISA- “Apna Haath Jagannath”. (More) (Interview) (linkedin)

Amit left India for the USA at age 27 – with a stutter and many dreams. He trained as an SLP and became an educator. As an Associate Professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Emerson College in Boston, he teaches graduate students how to work with people who stutter. In 2021 he decided to connect with his roots in India and began to volunteer in TISA as a friend, sounding board, and technical advisor. (More)

A Software Engineer by profession, from multi-national corporate to co-founding a startup at present, being a TISA volunteer is always dear to heart. Been with TISA since 2009, with roles like co-editor, Asst. National Coordinator and National Coordinator in the past. (More) (Interview)

Vikas Ranga is an entrepreneur and AI technologist, currently leading initiatives at ENSUREDIT in the insurtech space. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, he combines expertise in artificial intelligence, product innovation, and business transformation. Beyond technology, he has been actively involved in social impact initiatives, including education for underprivileged communities and long-term volunteering with The Indian Stammering Association (TISA). Vikas is passionate about leveraging technology to solve real-world problems and create meaningful societal impact.

The Core Group

Training & Education

The Training & Education Team, led by Dhruv Gupta at The Indian Stammering Association (TISA), focuses on empowering people who stammer (PWS) and their allies. Their programs include structured courses like TOPG and Live My Best Self, aimed at reducing stammering mindset and improving communication skills. They also facilitate OpenMOOC for self-paced learning. For specific groups like college students and women, TISA offers targeted support through workshops and practical guidance. Additionally, the team organizes in-person training at Herbertpur and promotes involvement in Toastmasters Clubs for ongoing skill development and community integration.

Program Coordination (Online)

Afjal Khan is a Solar Engineering professional with extensive experience in rooftop solar projects, site supervision, project coordination, and EPC operations. Passionate about sustainable energy solutions, he has worked across various facets of the solar industry, including project execution, site management, and technical operations. Beyond his professional career, Afjal is an active volunteer with The Indian Stammering Association (TISA), where he has contributed to the organization of multiple national conferences, including the Delhi National Conference. He has also represented TISA at platforms such as the Saarathee Thrive Summit 2025, advocating for disability inclusion, workplace communication awareness, and greater understanding of the experiences of people who stammer.

Career Guidance Cell

Rahul Sangelia is a Legal Assistant with a keen interest in community building and creating supportive spaces for meaningful dialogue. A member of The Indian Stammering Association (TISA) since 2022, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening and streamlining TISA’s Lounge Meetings—regular online gatherings where people who stammer come together to practice speaking, share experiences, and learn from one another. Through his consistent involvement, Rahul has helped foster a welcoming and structured environment that encourages participation, peer support, and personal growth. His efforts have contributed significantly to making these sessions an important platform for connection, confidence-building, and community engagement within TISA.

Career Guidance Cell, Former National Coordinator

Nikhil is a Banker in a private sector bank by profession and a music lover, blogger, YouTuber by passion. He is ably leading Mumbai SHG as the SHG coordinator and contributing enormously to TISA national events notably the virtual national conferences of 2020 & 2021. He is also spearheading various online voluntary initiatives with TISA and has taken leadership roles like Asst. National Coordinator within the core team in the past. (More) (YouTube Channel) (Blog)

Mental Health & Stammering

Dr. Sweta Ruparel is deeply passionate about social service, Mental Health, activism, social education, and entrepreneurship. Based in Gujarat, she has worked at government hospitals, taught in medical institutions and has also been actively involved in her family’s pharmaceutical business.

Her association with TISA dates back to around 2015. Over the years, she has contributed in numerous capacities, including organising regular online meetings, recording educational videos for TISA YouTube channel and supporting and mentoring women members. She was instrumental in the development of TISA’s large-scale online learning initiatives for People Who Stammer (PWS), which later evolved into TOPG (TISA Online Practice Group).

Since May 2025, she has been conducting free online mental health support sessions on a daily basis, concentrating mainly on journaling, breathing exercises and guided meditation. She is widely respected for her empathy, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the growth and well-being of the TISA community.

Member of Core Team, Women Representation, Gender Equality

Vidya Lalgudi Jaishankar is an interdisciplinary artist, visual storyteller, and former academic turned independent researcher in interpersonal communications. A staunch advocate for diversity and accessibility in interpersonal communication, Vidya uses her creative endeavours to initiate dialogues surrounding the cultural and social models of stammering and hearing impairment, promoting self-acceptance. As a published children’s book illustrator, she collaborated with Library For All, an Australian nonprofit, to support local authors from Timor-Leste Island. She initiated TISA podcast series, featuring one-on-one interviews with Women Who Stammer (WWS). In each episode, these incredible women share their unique journeys, offering insights and inspiration to all. (More)

Mohit Kumar is a communications and media professional with a passion for storytelling, community engagement, and social impact. A member of The Indian Stammering Association (TISA) since 2011, he has been part of the organization’s journey from its early years, including participation in the first TISA National Conference. He went on to establish and nurture the Patna Self-Help Group (SHG), creating a local support network for people who stammer. Today, Mohit leads TISA’s Public Relations team, driving social media engagement, enhancing the organization’s outreach, and helping amplify awareness about stammering and effective communication across diverse audiences.

Aditya Verma is a young professional with a strong interest in communication, community engagement, and social impact initiatives. As an active volunteer with The Indian Stammering Association (TISA), he contributes to the organization’s Public Relations and engagement efforts, helping strengthen its outreach and connect with a wider audience. Aditya has also represented TISA at prominent platforms such as the Saarathee Thrive Summit 2025 in Delhi, engaging in discussions around disability inclusion, accessibility, and workplace awareness. Through his involvement, he continues to support TISA’s mission of fostering understanding, confidence, and opportunities for people who stammer.

Dr. Arjun Raju is a Consultant Radiologist at Tenet Diagnostics, Bengaluru, with expertise in diagnostic imaging and patient care. Alongside his professional career in healthcare, he is an active volunteer with The Indian Stammering Association (TISA) and a strong advocate for communication confidence and self-acceptance. He has played an important role in the Bengaluru Self-Help Group (SHG), supporting people who stammer through community engagement and peer support initiatives. Dr. Arjun has also spoken at several TISA National Conferences, promoting acceptance of stammering and authentic communication. Currently, he leads TISA’s Communications Team, helping streamline member onboarding and registration processes to create a more welcoming experience for new members joining the organization.

Jay Vasdewani is the Founder & CEO of Latitude Technolabs (Ahmedabad), a techie with a strong passion for leveraging digital solutions to create meaningful social impact. As an active volunteer with The Indian Stammering Association (TISA), he plays a key leadership role in strengthening the organization’s technology infrastructure and driving its digital transformation initiatives. Jay has been instrumental in identifying, implementing, and managing technology solutions that enhance TISA’s operations, member engagement, and outreach efforts. Through his blend of technical expertise and commitment to the cause, he continues to help TISA build scalable systems that support its mission of empowering people who stammer across India.

Jitender Gupta is an Electrical Engineer at Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited, with professional expertise in power systems, operations, and infrastructure management. Beyond his engineering career, he is an active volunteer with The Indian Stammering Association (TISA), where he plays a vital role in managing the organization’s finances. He oversees fund administration, tracks expenses, supports fundraising initiatives, and helps ensure the effective utilization of resources for TISA’s activities and programs. Committed to one of TISA’s core values of transparency, Jitender works diligently to maintain accountability and integrity in all financial transactions, fostering trust among members, volunteers, donors, and stakeholders.

To learn more about TISA’s Core Team, their roles, and responsibilities, please click here.

Advisors

Past Noted Volunteers

Working as Special Educator in the Education Department (Govt Sector), Amit has been in TISA since 2010. He has written a e-book ‘Sweekaryata’ based on his life experiments with Acceptance with stammering besides participating in numerous TISA events. (Special Blog, New skills under the lockdown)

A Technology Enthusiast, a IT start-up founder and a favourite tech-expert and speaker at institutes like Symbiosis, Abhinav has given presentations from Big Data and analytics in institutes to stammering and self help in Barcamp. He is also a big supporter of the open source software movement. He is a co-founder of Cloudxlab, founder DejaView.ai. (more)

The young lad with a never say die attitude. Bhupendra has pushed himself out of his conform zone and went on the path of acceptance and self help. He initiated a lot of ideas and drives regular Hangout sessions to help the PWS. He is passionate about textile and fashion industry. (Interview)

A social scientist, a teacher and a dear friend: He will always be missed by us. (Condolences from Harish, Condolences from Manish K Rami)

Thank you

Many gratuitous events and kind people have helped us in last two decades – too many to be recounted, but still we have tried our best below.