About Us
Yuvathi trust is a Non Profit Organization that strives to empower individuals for a happier and more fulfilled life.
Founded in the year 2017 by psychologist, Dr. Sumathi Chandrasekaran, Yuvathi works towards improving emotional, social and psychosocial well-being aiming to create happier individuals, happier families and a happier community at large.
Yuvathi was initially conceived with the notion of empowering women. Socially, emotionally and with skill based competency.
Now spread across various sectors of the society both Men and women, Children, teens and elders, We are marching towards empowering society at large.
The data from 2024 indicated that a large portion of the population experiences mental health challenges, with a substantial treatment gap. Specific statistics include: 1 in 2 urban Indians have experienced stress impacting their daily life, and 1 in 4 have felt depressed. The prevalence of mental disorders is higher in urban metro regions compared to rural areas. The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights the impact of mental health on productivity and economic growth. It also goes on to show that approximately 10.6% of adults over 18 suffer from mental disorders. Stigma and lack of awareness contribute to the low rate of treatment seeking, with 70% to 92% of individuals with mental disorders not receiving proper treatment. To add to this, India also faces a critical shortage of mental health professionals, with approximately 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, compared to the WHO recommendation of 3 per 100,000.
The Economic Survey 2024-25 emphasized the need for a bottom-up, whole-of-community approach to address mental health challenges.
Yuvathi is one such initiative that is going to create awareness and bridge the gap by reaching out to schools, communities and individuals through various camps, events, activities and workshops.
Mission
Yuvathi is consistently delivering content based and aids based functionalities and events that focus on promoting Social, Psychological, Emotional development of the population, to live a holistic and fulfilling life.
Yuvathi strives to promote activities advocating women's rights, eliminating discrimination against women , enhancing women's capacities, promoting their decision making skills that affect their lives, and amplifying their voices for peace and security of the population.
Yuvathi delivers curated workshops that addresses self-awareness and emotional regulation for better decision making, peace and security of individuals from all walks of life.
Vision
Our vision is to empower individuals in our society to grow, to be self-Reliant, to be emotionally independent and become a driving force for social change.
Yuvathi Trust was also conceived with the vision to create a non-judgemental, safe space for women, irrespective of any role or gender bias.
As we move forward to co-create this vision, the role of men and the society as a whole becomes inevitable. Hence we strive towards achieving inclusivity and self-awareness for Men, women and children alike.
Our Founder
Dr. Sumathi Chandrasekaran
The dynamic force and visionary behind the conception of Yuvathi is Dr. Sumathi Chandrasekaran, our Founder and Managing Trustee. Dr. Sumathi is a psychologist with almost 25 years of experience seeing clients from all walks of life. She started to see patterns that made her realise that mental health, emotional freedom and individual empowerment of women especially, is needed for a happy and safe family environment for a child to grow up in. The seed for the idea of Yuvathi was sown with that in mind and it came to fruiton soon after in the year 2017 with the establishment of the trust at Chepauk, Chennai. Dr. Sumathi firmly believes that each individual has the potential to be the best version of themselves where they are happy and at peace with themselves and also contributing to the family and society in a meaningful way.
She is currently a practising psychologist and therapist at Chepauk, Chennai. She is also a Happy Woman Mind Coach and Mindfulness Coach mentoring women through online coaching programs. She is also a proud author of the book ‘Be a Happy Mom’ where she goes on to highlight her own journey as a mom while enlightening the reader about motherhood and how that need not shadow ones individual identity. She did not stop here though. Her vision for a happy and stress free Chennai drove her to open Mind Cafe, a safe space for a person to walk in and have a chat with a professional listener over a cup of coffee. Her vision on Mind Cafe was surrendered to the universe and the almighty (for she is a firm believer in the higher power and purpose) in 2018 and has manifested in 2025 as a cozy cafe, which is also a judgement free, safe space for anyone who walks in. She’d love everyone to step in there, relax and rejuvenate as they continue their journey towards peace and happiness.
The first Mindful Walkton at Chetpet Lake exceeded expectations — a serene, peaceful walk surrounded by nature, complemented by inspiring talks from a Cine Director, Member of Parliament, and IPS officer. The second Walkton at Shenoy Park was equally superb, with its rejuvenated, clean, and colourful ambience. Group singing, an engaging quiz, and insightful talks on sleep by a specialist and a Cinema Director made it truly memorable. The photo point added to the joy of the evening.
Mr. Arul Varman
Mindful WalkathonI sincerely thank Mrs. Sumathi Ma’am and the inspiring Yuvathi team for your dedication and valuable contribution to society. Your efforts to empower individuals are making a positive difference in many lives, and I’m proud to be part of Yuvathi. The workshops and challenges I attended were interactive, confidence-boosting, and filled with positive energy. The Mindful Walkathon by Mind Café–Yuvathi was a wonderful experience, helping me focus on the present moment and connect with myself and my surroundings. Wishing Sumathi Ma’am and the Yuvathi team continued success in creating a lasting, positive impact. 💐
Mrs. Jagadeshwari
Mindful WalkathonVolunteering with Yuvathi has been a truly enriching experience. I’ve witnessed firsthand the passion and dedication the team brings to every initiative, from workshops to community events. Being part of activities that create awareness, empower individuals, and spread positivity has given me a deep sense of purpose and joy. Yuvathi is not just an organisation — it’s a family that inspires change.
Jawahar
Volunteer
- #153, Bells Road, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005 Tamil Nadu
- +91 90805 10297