Guiding the vision
Founder-Director
Sonia Mackwani
“It is my need to serve than saying, I serve the needy.”
Sonia founded Touching Lives at the age of 21, guided by an inner calling to serve and live with higher purpose. Rooted in Self-Work, Seva and Sadhana, she has spent over two decades working across healing, education, storytelling and social impact. An author, filmmaker, therapist, healer and social entrepreneur, Sonia holds a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology and is trained in alternative healing modalities. Her work has taken her to rehabilitation centres, prisons, refugee camps, schools and corporate spaces worldwide. She is the author of Everyone Can Heal, 365 Days of a Sufi and Tales from Indian Mythology, among other works. Her films have screened internationally and received awards for direction and storytelling. Sonia is also the co-founder of Guidant Films and works as an impact strategist, helping filmmakers take their stories beyond cinema and into communities. She is currently establishing Touching Lives Switzerland to support social projects in India through awareness and fundraising. In 2015, she received the 100 Women Achievers of India Award, presented by the President of India.
Favourite book: Mister God, This is Anna by Fynn.
Chief Executive Officer
Ankit Kanani
“Silence is therapeutic. Before you label or judge something, or someone, pause and reflect.”
Ankit holds a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology Engineering. He began his career at the management consulting firm ZS Associates but soon realised that the corporate world was not where he belonged. He joined Touching Lives in 2012 through what he describes as a series of ‘miraculous coincidences.’
His journey began in Communications and as a student mentor. Over the years he has worked across functions and been closely involved in grassroots implementation, supporting children and families in vulnerable communities. CEO since 2018, he contributes to the projects and oversees organizational functions such as compliance and fundraising.
Ankit strongly connects with Touching Lives’ Foundation Values, particularly the belief that ‘it is our need to serve, than saying we are serving the needy.’ He also resonates deeply with the Self-Work approach and believes in working with honesty, reflection and heart.
Favourite book: Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse.
Chief Operating Officer
Aditi Kanwar
“Intentions are my guiding force. The more I intend, the more I encounter miracles.”
With a Master's in Human Development and a PG Diploma in Counseling Psychology, Aditi joined in 2010 as a mentor and grew to lead the Independent Learners Project. COO since 2023, she also leads Human Resources, social media, and keeps the energy at Touching Lives alive.
Favourite book: The Rocket Science Called Love by Sonia Mackwani.
Trustee
Rubina Khan
“The Universe will magically make all your dreams come true, if you start thinking about your life plans with faith and use the power of imagination.”
A Commerce graduate with a Diploma in Early Childhood Care Education, Rubina joined Touching Lives in 2008, beginning as a Community Leader, then mentoring the Beginners and Foundation programs, and going on to lead the Finance function. Along the way, she initiated the Self-Work and Healing program for mothers, and is trained in Arts Based Therapy, Hypnotherapy and Reiki. Today, she serves the organisation as a Trustee.
