The Soul Traveller Podcast ft. Sandy Khanda

Hosted by: Bhupendra Pratap Singh
Series: The Soul Traveller Podcast

Episode Overview

In this deeply moving episode of The Soul Traveller, we sit down with Sandy Khanda—a man who transformed a near-death experience into a lifelong mission of social change.

In 2016, after a devastating road accident, Sandy was given just a 1% chance of survival. Following 16 major surgeries and months in the ICU, he did more than recover—he rediscovered purpose. This conversation traces how a moment on the brink of life reshaped his worldview and redirected his career from engineering to grassroots social work.

About the Guest — Sandy Khanda

Sandy Khanda is the Founder of the Green Pencil Foundation and one of the leading male voices advocating for menstrual hygiene and climate action in rural and urban India.

Through sustained community engagement, his work has impacted over 200,000 lives across India, addressing deeply rooted taboos around menstruation while simultaneously confronting period poverty and plastic pollution.

From the fields of Haryana to the slums of Delhi, Sandy’s initiatives combine education, dignity, and environmental responsibility—proving that social justice and sustainability must go hand in hand.

From Survival to Service

In this episode, Sandy reflects on his deathbed realisation—the moment that pushed him to leave behind a conventional engineering career and commit himself fully to social impact.

He speaks openly about the challenges of working in conservative settings, the importance of involving men in conversations around menstruation, and the long road from awareness to behaviour change.

Key Themes Discussed in This Episode

• How a near-death experience transformed Sandy’s life and career path

• Transition from engineering to full-time social work

• The reality of period poverty in Indian villages

• Menstrual waste and plastic pollution

• Why men must be part of menstrual health conversations

• Community-based climate action and awareness

• The “Slum to School” initiative educating children in Delhi

Campaigns & Impact

Through the Green Pencil Foundation, Sandy has led impactful initiatives including:

• Periods of Pride – addressing menstrual hygiene with dignity and education

• Climate Chaupal – community conversations around sustainability and climate responsibility

These programmes work at the intersection of health, education, gender equity, and environmental action.

Why This Episode Matters

This episode challenges silence and stigma—around menstruation, masculinity, and survival itself. Sandy Khanda’s journey reminds us that purpose often emerges from pain, and that real change begins when uncomfortable conversations are embraced with empathy and courage.

It is essential listening for students, social workers, educators, activists, and anyone seeking meaning beyond personal success.

About The Soul Traveller Podcast

The Soul Traveller Podcast documents conversations with changemakers, survivors, educators, travellers, and activists whose lives reflect resilience, purpose, and social responsibility.

Hosted by Bhupendra Pratap Singh, the podcast captures stories that inspire reflection, action, and collective healing.

Listen to stories that transform survival into service.