Empowering Minds, Bridging Cultures: The Story of Rupa Parthasarathy and Mindkshetra

Meet Rupa Parthasarathy, a social entrepreneur and founder of wellness studio Mindkshetra, who is breaking down barriers to holistic well-being and uplifting communities.

With grace and determination, Rupa navigates the intersection of both cultural barriers and traditions, mental health and creativity. 

As a social entrepreneur with Mindkshetra, how has your experience been in running workshops?

As a social entrepreneur, I collaborate with local organisations to nurture community well-being through our workshops and services. We focus on inclusion and connecting to cultural art to nurture mental health. 

Some noteworthy projects include collaborating with local councils for month-long art workshops celebrating October Mental Health Month and Diwali, conducting online art therapy workshops with organisations like ‘Haathi in the Room’ to support young adults during COVID, collaborating with Cumberland Council to work with youth members on nurturing mental fitness and spreading awareness about art therapy’s benefits for cancer survivors with Pink Sari Inc. 

Additionally, we offer interactive seminars at local community events, emphasising the therapeutic power of artmaking for mental health. 

How have prejudices and judgements towards South Asian women presented in your work? How do you navigate and address these challenges? 

Navigating prejudices and judgements is, unfortunately, a part of the journey. While many express support for my work, I often encounter misconceptions. For instance, I am often mistaken for a yoga teacher due to the name Mindkshetra, so I’ve been asked if I run a yoga studio. 

I’ve also received comments from members of the South Asian Community like, ‘Why are you doing this? It’s part of our culture to keep these things private. Mental health is one of them.’  

By addressing these misconceptions, I like to challenge their questioning, some of which I ignore, and I oftentimes share my experiences on LinkedIn. Every encounter becomes an opportunity to educate and inspire others. 

What workshops do you run for young adults to nurture well-being? What topics do you cover?

Our Creative Wellness Workshop focuses on mental health concepts like mindfulness, self-awareness and resilience, utilising creativity as a tool for personal growth. 

Through three different workshops, participants can learn practical ways to cultivate these concepts: Creative Mindfulness, Hand-Building Resilience, and Crafting Self-Awareness. We also provide cultural art workshops, connecting participants with local artists to learn various cultural art forms.

The goal is to empower young adults with essential skills to enhance their well-being. 

What inspired you to create ‘Mindkshetra Talks’ and interview individuals with extraordinary life stories? How has this shaped or challenged your thinking?

Mindsketra Talks, a podcast co-hosted with my daughter, aims to unpack intergenerational dynamics within South Asian households while raising awareness about mental health stigmas. Through these heartfelt conversations and diverse perspectives, each episode delves into various pivotal stages in a young person’s life.

The inspiration behind starting the podcast comes from my personal life and keen interest in improving mental health within the community, with my daughter, to raise awareness about the stigma that currently exists. 

This platform offers insights of both parents and children by bridging generational gaps and witnessing the transformative impact of sharing personal narratives and the power of open communication between generations. 

How has your experience working with Mindkshetra shaped your personal growth and understanding of yourself? 

Working with Mindkshetra has been transformative, challenging me to break free from self-imposed limitations and embrace my potential as a changemaker. 

Through this journey, I’ve discovered the boundless possibilities that emerge when we dare to defy expectations and pursue our passions with purpose. As a first-generation migrant, and a mother, I am proud to lead by example and inspire others to embrace their inner strength to embark on their own paths of self-discovery. 

How do you approach unpacking intergenerational barriers in your podcast work? 

Breaking down intergenerational barriers begins with open communication and a willingness to listen. I believe one of the leading root causes for intergenerational barriers is our inability to communicate openly between generations. In our podcast, we work on breaking down stigma by creating a space where different perspectives can exist harmoniously. 

By avoiding judgement, embracing empathy, and adding humour to the mix, we can foster mutual understanding and bridge generational divides with grace and compassion.

What is filling your cup in 2024? 

In 2024, we are excited to embark on the second season of Mindkshetra Talks and are planning to launch eco-friendly products aimed at promoting well-being at home. 

We are focused on expanding our social media presence and community engagement. ASAC members and allies can support us by joining our community, participating in our workshops, and attending our open studio days. 

Your support fuels our mission to promote mental health and cultural inclusivity.