Some journeys are born out of ambition, while others are carved by the experiences and challenges life offers. Saraswathi Suresh’s remarkable transformation into a mental health advocate and social entrepreneur arose from personal and emotional experiences that reshaped her life’s purpose. Her story is one of resilience, empathy, and an unyielding desire to create a better world for families grappling with the challenges of mental illness.
When Saraswathi joined SPJIMR’s Post Graduate Programme me in Development Management (PGPDM) as the oldest student in her batch, she was unsure of what to expect. Could she keep pace with younger classmates? Would she fit in? Little did she know, the programme would provide her with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to channel her personal pain into a mission that would touch countless lives.
A life turned upside down
Saraswathi’s early life revolved around a successful career in banking, where she thrived professionally for 17 years. She had a loving husband, two wonderful sons, and a life many would envy. But in 2014, her elder son was diagnosed with psychosis and depression, turning her world upside down.
This event brought a torrent of emotions—confusion, fear, and an overwhelming sense of isolation. Friends and family failed to understand, society judged, and resources to navigate the situation were scarce. Balancing her career and her role as a family carer was overwhelming. The emotional strain only grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world seemed to close in around her family.
Yet, it was during these darkest moments that Saraswathi found light. Therapy, acceptance, and gratitude became her family’s anchors. As they navigated their own healing, Saraswathi began to wonder how many others were silently suffering without support.
The spark for social change
Fueled by her personal experiences, Saraswathi felt a growing need to make a difference. However, transitioning from a banking professional to a social sector advocate felt daunting. That’s when she discovered the PGPDM programme at SPJIMR—a platform that would equip her with the tools and confidence to embark on this new journey.
PGPDM: A platform for transformation
Saraswathi’s experience in PGPDM (Batch 19) proved to be transformative. She gained insights into social sector dynamics, including leadership, project management, and community engagement. But the most impactful experience was her Development Management Project (DMP) under the mentorship of Prof. Tanvi Mankodi, Assistant Professor of Organisation and Leadership Studies at S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai.
As part of her DMP, Saraswathi conducted interviews with 25 families affected by mental illness, revealing the widespread and largely unspoken nature of their struggles. Their stories mirrored her own, stirring deep empathy and a renewed determination. Although emotionally taxing, these conversations solidified her purpose: advocating for the rights and well-being of families caring for loved ones with mental illnesses.
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Launching FAVMI: Families’ Voice on Mental Illness
Equipped with her insights from the DMP project and overall PGPDM learnings, Saraswathi co-founded Families’ Voice on Mental Illness (FAVMI) with Dr. Sachin Ganorkar and Mrs. Geetha Ravi. FAVMI serves as the Mumbai regional zone of Families Alliance on Mental Illness (FACEMI India), founded by Dr. Nirmala Srinivasan, an Ashoka fellow. FAVMI focuses on the well-being of both family carers and those they support, fostering understanding and solidarity in the face of mental illness.
Under her leadership, FAVMI has achieved significant milestones, including advocating for psychiatric emergencies to be part of the 108-ambulance service. Through podcasts, the monthly newsletter ‘Beginnings’, webinars, WhatsApp support groups, and community outreach initiatives, Saraswathi has built a lifeline for families often overlooked in conversations about mental health.
A legacy of empathy and action
Looking back, Saraswathi credits PGPDM for equipping her with technical skills and igniting the joy of giving. The programme’s faculty and her peers nurtured her resolve, transforming her personal struggles into a movement of empathy and empowerment.
As FAVMI celebrates its first anniversary, Saraswathi’s journey is far from over. She continues to expand her initiatives, amplifying the voices of families affected by mental illness and championing a more inclusive, compassionate society.
Saraswathi’s story serves as a beacon of hope for those who face challenges. With education, purpose, and a willingness to act, even the most daunting personal trials can become a catalyst for meaningful change.
