The Story Behind the Name "Vetra"
In Sanskrit, Vetra means “cane” – a simple yet powerful symbol that has guided leaders, supported journeys, and stood for discipline and authority through centuries.
In ancient India, a Vetra Danda (cane staff) was carried by sages, kings, and teachers – not as a weapon, but as a mark of wisdom, responsibility, and leadership. It was used to guide the lost, support the weak, set boundaries, uphold discipline, and lead with clarity.
Vetra Leadership Solutions was created to develop future leaders – individuals who not only excel in skill but also embody character, clarity, and purpose.
Just like the Vetra, we support growth, we stand tall with integrity, we help shape individuals who can lead with strength and humility, and we become the quiet, steady force behind every confident stride.
We don’t just train. We don’t just coach. We shape leaders, by grounding them with values, empowering them with confidence, and guiding them like the ancient cane guided travellers on rugged paths.
Founders
Wg Cdr Vaishnavi Tokekar (Retd)
Co-Founder & Director
- Former Divisional Officer at National Defence Academy (NDA)
- Accomplished Mountaineer & Adventure Specialist
- Expert in Corporate Leadership Transitions
Major Archis Sabnis (Retd)
Co-Founder & Director
- CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) Expert
- IIM Lucknow Alumnus (General Management)
- State Level Kickboxer & Combat Instructor
Wg Cdr Vaishnavi Tokekar
Wg Cdr Vaishnavi Tokekar completed her education in Pune, Maharashtra from prestigious University of Pune. She was commissioned in administration branch of Indian air force on 18 Dec 2010, from Air force academy Hyderabad. She further underwent her specialisation in challenging branch of air traffic control. She has performed duty of Air traffic controller in various exciting appointments including several operational commands. She has vast experience of handling military as well as civil air traffic.
In addition to her branch commitments, Wg Cdr Vaishnavi was in charge of training and mentoring of young officers and airmen. She completed her leadership and management course from air force administrative college, Coimbatore. She was the first ever woman officer to be posted as a Divisional officer in National Defence Academy. She played a crucial role in induction, training and integration of girl cadets in the National defence academy. To recognise her magnanimous efforts and dedication she was commended by the Chief of Air Staff.
She is an avid sportsperson and has represented at various levels in her life . Since an early age, she took up mountaineering as a hobby and has been part expeditions including various Himalayan peaks. She has also scaled the challenging Friendship peak which stands at more than 21000 ft. She holds black belt in karate and has participated prestigious INS Shivaji triathlon and secured third place. Wg Cdr Vaishnavi is PADI qualified open water diver. During her tenure in Indian Airforce, she has represented Eastern Air command in Ultra Cycling competition.
Currently Wg Cdr Vaishnavi is actively involved in motivating and training youth to join armed forces.
Maj Archis Sabnis (Retd)
Major Archis Sabnis (Retd) completed her education from Kolhapur, Maharashtra from Shivaji University, graduating in Mechanical Engineering. She was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers (The Madras Sappers) in 2011 and served in various operational and administrative capacities during her 11-year career in the Indian Army.
She specialised in CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) preparedness, disaster management, and combat engineering. Her notable contributions include leading flood relief operations during floods in Assam and Jammu & Kashmir, and spearheading large-scale solar energy projects in the Ladakh region. Apart from her operational roles, Major Archis was instrumental in training and mentoring young officers as directing staff at the College of Military Engineering.
Post her military career, she completed the IFRC-TISS Course in Disaster Management and completed her internship with Tata Chemicals at Mithapur. She transitioned into the chemical industry and worked as a Management Executive at Ameet Lubricants & Chemicals, overseeing operations and quality control for an oil recycling facility.
An avid sportsperson, Major Archis was part of the Corps of Engineers sailing team and participated in many sailing regattas. She holds a black belt in karate, has represented at the national level in kickboxing, and has completed an advanced mountaineering course. She loves to travel and has recently completed a drive of 10,000km covering 17 states of India in 40 days. She also runs a page on Instagram showcasing her papercraft hobby.
Her passion for youth empowerment has led her to establish Vetra Leadership Solutions along with her childhood friend, where they mentor students and corporates in personality development, leadership, and life skills development.