Trustees, Advisor and Partners

Trustees

Mamatha D

Mamatha D.
Managing Trustee, Family Caregiver and Mental Health Champion

Mamatha D. is a retired Senior Scientist from ISRO and a deeply committed caregiver whose journey blends scientific excellence with compassionate advocacy. For over 35 years, she was the primary caregiver for her elder brother, who lived with paranoid schizophrenia—a role she embraced with quiet strength, resilience, and unwavering love.

While building a distinguished career in one of India’s premier scientific institutions, Mamatha also dedicated herself to the cause of mental health. As a long-time member of AMEND (Association for the Mentally Disabled), she has worked relentlessly to support families like her own—raising awareness, reducing stigma, and nurturing more informed, empathetic caregiving communities.

Her deep understanding of the challenges faced by families has led to her appointment as a Non-Official Member of both the Central Mental Health Authority (CMHA) and the Karnataka State Mental Health Authority (KSMHA), where she contributes to shaping inclusive mental health policies at both national and state levels.

Saksham Sumana Inclusive Living is Mamatha’s vision—a nurturing, supportive community where Persons with Mental Illness (PwMI) and their families can live with dignity, autonomy, and belonging. Her leadership is rooted in lived experience, policy insight, and an enduring belief that inclusive living is not just possible—it is essential.

V Guruprasad
Trustee, Treasurer, and Family Caregiver

Guruprasad, along with his wife Uma, has been a caregiver to their son living with mental illness for over 34 years. Their journey—marked by challenges, resilience, and learning—sparked his resolve to create a community-driven system of support for families like theirs.

He believes that when families unite, they create a strong safety net—emotionally, socially, and logistically. His active involvement with AMEND reflects his commitment to key goals:

Addressing the critical question of “Who after us?”
Supporting PwMIs to lead meaningful lives through training and employment.
Enabling senior caregivers to find peace of mind through shared responsibility and structured care.

Guruprasad advocates for independent, family-led solutions that reduce overdependence on institutions and create long-term sustainability. His vision helped seed Amend Families and now Saksham Sumana Inclusive Living—spaces designed for shared caregiving and community well-being.

A science graduate from Bangalore University, he began his career in sales and marketing with the Tatas and Hindustan Lever. Later, he founded Mayur Enterprises, building it into a successful business that also trains and employs young talent.

Now, as Treasurer and Trustee of Sumana Trust, he is committed to building and mentoring the next generation to take this mission forward with strength and compassion.

Suraj Prakash
Trustee and Family Caregiver

Suraj Prakash strongly believes that mental health care requires a holistic, 360-degree approach. Community living, in particular, offers a secure and inclusive environment for persons with mental illness (PwMIs)—especially those without active family caregivers. He sees it not just as a model of care, but as a pathway to dignity, independence, and sustained well-being.

Suraj is also deeply engaged in initiatives that support caregivers and promote supported employment for PwMIs—two pillars that directly influence recovery, stability, and long-term quality of life.

With professional experience spanning Tata Steel and Wipro, Suraj brings structured thinking, operational insight, and a deep sense of empathy to his role. He holds a
B. Tech and MBA from premier institutions in India and is committed to strengthening the ecosystem for inclusive and compassionate mental health care.

Suchetha Joshi
Trustee and Family Caregiver

Suchetha Joshi wears many hats—as a teacher, LIC agent, trustee, and caregiver. Her personal journey fuels a deep sense of purpose in advancing the mission of Sumana Trust.

As a trustee, she is committed to building greater awareness around mental health and supporting individuals and families affected by mental illness. Her focus lies in breaking the silence and stigma that often surround mental health in our communities.

Suchetha believes that mental health should be discussed as openly as physical health. She brings energy and compassion to her role, working toward a society that understands, accepts, and supports people with mental health challenges—one conversation, one family at a time.

Late. N Devaraje Gowda
Founding Trustee

In Loving Memory

With deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of Sri Devaraje Gowda, one of the founding trustees of Sumana Trust, on 28th August 2024. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, service, and quiet leadership.

Sri Gowda served as General Manager at the Spices Trading Corporation, where he was known for his professionalism and dedication. Beyond his career, he was the founding Secretary of AMEND and a guiding force in the mental health community for over three decades.

He was always accessible to members, offering support with warmth and sincerity. His personal visits, calm reassurance, and genuine concern brought strength to countless families. Long before After-Home Care became a structured concept, he was already living its principles.

He conducted free yoga sessions, advocated for mindful living, and inspired all AMEND activities with his quiet strength. At Sumana Trust, he encouraged inclusive participation and championed a low-cost care model for underserved PMIs. A builder has since promised to donate space and facilities to realize this vision.

Sri Gowda was more than a trustee—he was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration. We honour his contributions and remain committed to continuing his mission of compassion, inclusion, and community-based care.

With heartfelt condolences,

Founding Trustees, Sumana Trust

Saraswathi Mahant
Trustee and Family Caregiver

Saraswathi Mahant is a retired professor from Mount Carmel College and a devoted single parent. She has been the primary caregiver for her son, who has lived with paranoid schizophrenia for the past 37 years.

She raised and educated her son on her own, supported him through multiple relapses, and stood by him with unwavering strength. Over time, with care and support, her son has attained stability.

Saraswathi has been an active member of AMEND for many years, serving in key roles and contributing to its mission of building peaceful, meaningful lives for persons with mental illness. Through her lived experience and academic background, she continues to support families navigating similar challenges, driven by empathy and a deep commitment to shared healing.

Advisor

Ananth Agasthya
Advisor

Anantha Agasthya developed the concept of Saksham Sumana Inclusive Living project

He graduated from IIT Madras and did his post graduation from IIM(B).

He had held the position of Executive Director, HAL Management Academy, Bengaluru, before he superannuated.

He is presently a Visiting faculty at IIM Bengaluru

He was also a Non official Member, Karnataka State Mental Health Authority (KSMHA 2022-2024)

His insight, support and guidance continues to shape Sumana Trust’s long term vision of offering a compassionate, community based mental health ecosystem, which promises a life of dignity for PwMI ( Persons with Mental Illness)