Volunteer

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

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.

“I strongly recommend the initiative of “INCLUSIVE LIVING” from Sumana Trust. I have worked with them and many other parents closely since 20 yrs and understand there immense pain and challenges of the parents of chronic mental illness.

I empathise there helplessness when no one are left out to take care of these lived ones in the future.

Hence this project, which holistically will govern them well and will make sure that the future of them is in safe hands under like minded persons in Sumana Trust.”

“Lifetime care of persons with mental illness is their need and right. Carers have a role in development of good services for them throughout their life. A person with mental illness living in the community in a housing complex such as this gets range of benefits. Such projects are vital to dispel misconception and reduce the stigma. Families can support each other in caring the mentally ill person. Such support can extend even after demise of any family members. wish all the best for this project.”

“As a mother caring for my daughter with schizophrenia, the unpredictable nature of life often left me anxious about her future care. Discovering Saksham Sumana Inclusive Living has provided me with immense relief. This compassionate community ensures that, even in my absence, my daughter will receive the support and dignity she deserves. It’s a heartfelt solution that brings peace of mind to families like ours.”

The settlor: The settlor is the person responsible for setting up the trust and naming the beneficiaries, the trustee and, if there is one, the appointor. For tax reasons, the settlor should not be a beneficiary under the trust.

“I live with a mental health condition. My father is no more, and I stay with my mother, who has always supported and cared for me in every way. But as my mother is growing older, I often felt anxious — what will happen to me if she’s not around? Who will take care of me?

Though I have many relatives, I can’t expect to live with them, nor can they come and stay with me. This fear used to trouble me constantly. Then we met the trustees of Sumana Trust, who introduced us to Saksham Sumana Inclusive Living (SSIL). We discussed it with our doctor, relatives, and other well-wishers. Since SSIL is in Bengaluru, it means care and support will be available close to home.

Now, both my mother and I feel a great sense of relief — knowing we’ll be part of a community of understanding families, where I will be cared for and supported, and where my mother too can feel at peace.

“I had the great pleasure of being invited by SUMANA TRUST to visit their upcoming project in E-City, Bangalore — a thoughtfully envisioned communal living space that’s now moving from blueprint to reality. As a caregiver, this is exactly what I have long hoped for: a place where I can live alongside my loved one with mental health challenges (PwMI), within a circle of like-minded families who truly understand and support one another.

Team Sumana has planned every detail with deep care — from structured activities tailored to suit each PwMI, to medication support, regular medical supervision, and a host of well-being programs. It’s clear they’ve left no stone unturned in creating what may well be a pioneering inclusive living model in India.

What touched me most is how both the short- and long-term needs of the family and the PwMI have been carefully considered. Living as part of a larger residential community helps break stigma in the most natural way — by being seen, heard, and accepted. Awareness grows through education, daily interactions, and simply showing up for one another.

I came away with a heart full of hope — for myself, for my son, and for so many others like us. This is more than just a housing project. It’s a chance at meaningful living, together.”

“We caregivers remain worried with the thought, “ What after us?” but do nothing beyond rumbling. Builders have unaffordable schemes. Commercially run long stay homes are unaffordable.

In such a situation some Bengaluru base caregiver samaritans under the banner of SUMANA NGO have launched a residential project SAKSHAM, which provides various options to family caregivers to suit their needs and affordability. The commune living conceived will ensure that the group of caregivers will ensure that there will never be the issue of “What after us”.

With some projects, initially the caregivers are enthusiastic but when the projects are ready to take off, their enthusiasm starts waning. It is our project, it is conceived for our good. We must see it accomplished for our good and for the good of our fellow caregivers.

My grateful thanks to SUMANA team for their great initiative and wish them all success in their endeavours.”

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