The prevailing narrative is that there's no alternative to capitalism, making it a default rather than a choice. In the midst of Bengaluru, this space will offer a counter-narrative. One that delves into India’s co-op legacy and regional approaches to community and economy. Lagori will aim to democratize radical thinking, making it accessible to more people, not just the intellectually or financially privileged.

By demonstrating that such spaces can not only exist but thrive in a South Asian context, it will be a testament to the possibility of different futures, encouraging others across the region to envision and create spaces that reflect their values and aspirations.

Our Values

Constant Unlearning and Learning: to adapt and shift our perspectives.

Purposely Playful: centering creativity, joy and celebration in our work

Ears To The Ground: learning from the past, listening to our communities and environment in the present, to reimagine alternative futures

Radical Transparency: that moves us from gatekeeping to a culture of openness.

Part of a Whole: recognising ourselves
as part of an interconnected web

Trust In The Midst Of Uncertainty: as we move towards a shared vision, even if the journey isn’t always clear.

Space for Tenderness: gentle, soft and caring interactions with ourselves and others.

Beyond Monetary Capital: from the accumulation of financial wealth to a social contract that regeneratively stewards the capitals of life - From Dark Matters Lab

  • Alifiya Mutaher

    CO-FOUNDER

    Alifiya Mutaher (she/her) is a design researcher, creative practitioner and cultural entrepreneur from Sri Lanka, currently based in Bangalore, India. Her practice centres on building relationships that are reciprocative, collaborative and accountable. Using approaches like co-design, community engagement, and futuring, she designs lasting programs, services, experiences and communities. Over the past 10 years, she has worked with non-profits, and purpose-led organisations and co-founded cultural entities across South and Southeast Asia, bringing regional experience in social innovation, environmental advocacy, healthcare, and creative culture.

    She holds a Masters in Transdisciplinary Design from Parsons School of Design, NY and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Monash University, Malaysia. She is a 2021/22 International Rescue Committee Fellow.

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  • Dhaval Kothari

    CO-FOUNDER

    Dhaval (he/him) is a sector-agnostic design researcher and social impact strategist. Dhaval’s experience spans financial inclusion, digital inclusion, global health, climate resilience, and social norms change among others in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. His career has involved diverse roles, from a co-founder of grassroots organizations to working with several international research and social impact consulting, and design research studios. More recently, Dhaval has been exploring speculative design and foresight research methodologies to address evolving global challenges.

    Over the past 12 years, Dhaval has led projects supported by the Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, DFAT, Rockefeller Foundation, World Bank, Goethe-Institut among many others.

    Previously, Dhaval practised as a lawyer in South Asia for several years. He holds a Masters degree in international development from the Fletcher School, Tufts University and Harvard Kennedy School. He also holds a law degree from Mumbai University.

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  • Reema Deshpande

    CO-FOUNDER

    Reema (she/her) is a design researcher and visual designer with a keen interest in exploring the role of storytelling as a tool and participatory research practices rooted in communities. Her work spans diverse topics and contexts, including climate change, mental health and well-being, public health, community-based research practices, storytelling, and culture. These experiences, have given her the opportunity to understand the strength of transdisciplinary spaces, teams, and communities.

    In an ecosystem where creative practices are fragmented and individuals are often confined to working in silos, disconnected from the broader context of their work, Reema is passionate about reiterating and exploring new formats of collaboration, and ways in which creative projects are conceived and executed, aiming to foster a more integrated and cohesive approach.

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