Monika Mathur: I met Monika in TISS, Mumbai, where Monika pursued her Masters degree in Social Work and I kept trying to run away from it. Of the latter she is one of the closest witnesses since we happened to share a room for a year. She currently lives in Bhutan, is an avid 'Kindle'-r, a creative mother and an inspired photographer of nature. We are back in touch after many years, thanks to Facebook, Skype and telepathy.

Sarah Kitchener: Younger sister to one of my closest friends KImberly (after whom the collection 'Kimberlite' is named). An intrepid traveller, a compassionate and concerned conservationist and a keen cook. Her chicken schnitzels are to die for and her Hindi is getting quite effective after 3 long stays in India. Her deep respect for 'the other' is something I am inspired by. I look forward to her insightful work on creative waste management.