MISSION
Growing up in a south Asian household mental health was not discussed as much as it should have been. I experienced bullying, racism, family conflict and did not really know how to turn these emotions and negative experiences into aspects I could learn from. A lot of this trauma was experienced at a young age and it was not until I was older that I began to realize how left out the conversation of mental health dwelled on me. I want young south Asians to realize how important it is to start mental health conversation early so they do not experience the same that I did growing up. Parents and guardians also need to find space to start having mental health conversations with their kids and youth when growing up so these conversations become a normal part of life. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, this is why we share our strength, our SHAKTI.
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Shakti wants to break the stigma associated with mental health by sharing perspectives, discussion and support.
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Shakti aims to provide a space for South Asians who have gone through traumatic experiences by letting them know you have a community and sense of belonging here, we want to normalise this conversation in our culture.
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We want to let south Asian's know that you are not alone in your battle. Shakti and our community are in your corner.
Our mission is to break the stigma associated with mental health in the South Asian/ Australian community. Mental health is a topic that largely goes unnoticed within the South Asian community for several reasons: cultural norms, stigmatization, lack of intergenerational discussion and trauma. We spotlight minority mental health by sharing perspectives, discussion, advocacy and support from the South Asian's within the community. Our aim is to break the stigma associated with mental health by sharing perspectives, discussion and support. There are many reasons South Asian's do not fluidly discuss these challenges, some of this includes generational trauma, a lack of communication, up bringing, societal pressure. Shakti aims to collaborate with the community and build a foundation in which mental health can be safely discussed.
#Shareyourshakti
Meet the Team
Jagesh Panchal
Founder and Director
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Jagesh has a lived experience of mental health and has used he's advocacy and passion to create Shakti to support young people of South Asian and wider multicultural backgrounds to have a positive experience with their wellbeing. Jagesh works for City of Melbourne as a youth project coordinator while advocating for inclusive outcomes that embrace the strength of young people.
Naveen Jagadeesan
Discussion facilitator youth lead
Naveen is a discussion facilitator for Shakti running our South Asian mens wellbeing discussions. He has recently completed a undergraduate psychology degree, now pursuing Masters. Naveen also works as wellbeing facilitator for the Man Cave.
Samy Sharma
Discussion facilitator
Samy leads our all gender wellbeing discussions, while advocating for systematic change to enhance inclusive outcomes. Samy is an entrepreneurial student majoring in Business Analytics and Finance at Monash, while also working at Apple.
Liv Feeny
Creative events lead
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Liv is a creative events facilitator with Shakti who loves all things bringing community together. She is a Masters of counselling student at Monash while also working as youth wellbeing workshop facilitator. Liv also runs her own dance choreo platform Liv Sudha dance
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Devmi Bannahaka
Discussion facilitator
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Devmi is a discussion facilitator for Shakti, responsible for creating culturally responsive wellbeing programs that promote connection, resilience and leadership among diverse communities. She has completed her Bachelor of Laws and now works in community engagement and youth devleopment with the Big Sister Experience, facilitating wellbeing and empowerement workshops for young people.
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Ria Patel
Yoga and events facilitator
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As an actress, yoga teacher and mental health advocate, Ria takes storytelling beyond the screen and creates a meaningful impact on her audience. With the support of Shakti, she combines yoga and creativity to foster connection. Her film The Rose Garden sparked conversations about grief and mental health in the South Asian community. Ria truly believes storytelling has the power to connect, comfort and challenge the audience to evoke change in the world and within themselves. Stories have always been there for her and now she wants to be there for others as a storyteller.
Srishty Pareek
Volunteer facilitator
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Srishty is an Environmental Management graduate from the University of Melbourne with a passion for community engagement. As an international student, she understands the value of connection and belonging, and is excited to support Shakti in creating a safe space for open conversations around mental health.​