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Mind, Meaning, and Movement: Vaishnavi’s Journey to Normalising Mental Health
From therapy rooms to cafés and classrooms, Vaishnavi is building a stigma-free mental health movement for India’s youth and working professionals
• Chaitra Divate • Category: Health
• 6 min read • Feb 7, 2026
Vaishnavi Sankeshwar is a very grounded person from the SANKESHWAR family.
Vaishnavi Sankeshwar, daughter of Anand Sankeshwar — director of VRL logistics
Vaishnavi Sankeshwar
As an adolescent, Vaishnavi was very observant and effortlessly understood people’s emotions. This made her ‘empathetic’ and ‘patient’. Thus, her mom rightly suggested she pursue PSYCHOLOGY, which was her early inspiration.
Academics and Clinical Journey
Vaishnavi began her academic journey from the TEP (Theatre studies, English and Psychology) course at Christ University, and later completed MSC in Psychology (Clinical) from Jain University, Bangalore. As a part of an internship, she worked in a rehabilitation centre with all age groups, dealing with severe cases like depression, schizophrenia, and substance abuse. Assisted in ECT, CBT and Psychotherapy. Vaishnavi also conducted music and dance therapy. She got an opportunity to observe clinical cases such as: Anxiety, Depression, Other psychotic disorders, Substance abuse and severe mental health conditions.
Theatre, a form of expression, Vaishnavi Sankeshwar pursued TEP course from Christ University
With her experience and internship training, she was lucky to work across several reputable hospitals — Shree Psychiatric Centre, Victoria Hospital, Rehabilitation centres, Spandana Hospital, and Apollo Hospital, Bangalore. The key learning is that the work and cases she attempted made her more empathetic. Vaishnavi got a wide exposure working under Dr Anand Pandurangi and his team. She was able to diagnose a wide variety of patients, from school children, adolescents, to middle-aged and elderly people.
The early days of her clinical journey presented challenges regarding handling emotionally intensive cases and building confidence with clients. But she thoughtfully overcame this through regular supervision, continuous learning, self-reflection, and gradually trusting her clinical skills with experience.
Understanding Mental Health on the Ground: From Classrooms to Boardrooms
Working closely with young people, Vaishnavi Sankeshwar observes that many mental health challenges today stem from academic and career pressure rather than lack of ability. Low self-esteem is common, especially among students who are naturally talented in one area but are pushed into paths that don’t align with their skills or passions. Over time, this mismatch creates emotional stress and self-doubt. She is particularly keen on breaking the stereotype that counselling is meant only for the weak, emphasising that seeking support is a sign of awareness and strength.
Her experience conducting industrial workshops at organisations such as K2 Communications and Global Office revealed similar concerns in a different setting. Corporate employees often struggle with high stress, poor work–life balance, and limited emotional support. Vaishnavi highlights that mental health plays a vital role in workplace productivity by helping individuals pause, reflect, and gain clarity. However, she notes that open conversations around mental well-being are still lacking, making it essential for organisations to actively build healthier, more supportive work cultures.
“One myth she is particularly committed to breaking is the idea that counselling is a sign of weakness. For Vaishnavi, seeking help reflects self-awareness and strength.”
Creativity, Artistry & Community Engagement
Vaishnavi Sankeshwar has an artistic side as well, which sets her truly apart as she blends creativity with care. She created a relaxed and safe space outside clinical settings, and with her theatre background, she conducts art and dance workshops in cafés, intentionally moving mental health conversations into informal, welcoming spaces. This makes people unwind, express themselves creatively, and connect with their emotions in a fun and informal way. According to Vaishnavi, ‘Art and dance’ allow people to express emotions without words, leaving them lighter and more connected after the workshops.
“Mental health at work helps people pause, reflect and regain clarity”
From College Auditoriums to YouTube Screens
Addressing 2000+ students at the RV College of Engineering auditorium was a defining moment for Vaishnavi. It was a great feeling, and I felt deeply motivated standing in front of such a huge crowd, says Vaishnavi Sankeshwar. The energy in the room reinforced what she sees every day in her practice — today’s youth are intelligent and capable, yet often uncertain about their passion and direction.
Through her sessions, Vaishnavi suggests that students contemplate, reminding them that fulfilment comes through following their passion. Her message is not about chasing perfection, but about choosing paths that feel aligned, meaningful, and mentally healthy.
She is very committed to spreading awareness about mental health, and it has extended to the digital world as well, popularly by the name “MindTonic by Vaishnavi.” Drawing on her theatre course skills, she uses storytelling and performance to simplify complex psychological concepts and break stigma around mental health. Digital platforms, she believes, are powerful spaces — they make information accessible, allow people to share lived experiences, and quietly normalise conversations that were once taboo. Every message and comment received by her audience moves her deeply and motivates her to create more content that reminds people that they are not alone; and that talking about mental well-being is not only okay — it’s necessary!
Resilience, Renewal & the Road Ahead
Working closely with young people, Vaishnavi Sankeshwar observes that many mental health challenges today stem from academic and career pressure rather than lack of ability. Low self-esteem is common, especially among students who are naturally talented in one area but are pushed into paths that don’t align with their skills or passions. Over time, this mismatch creates emotional stress and self-doubt. She is particularly keen on breaking the stereotype that counselling is meant only for the weak, emphasising that seeking support is a sign of awareness and strength.
Her experience conducting industrial workshops at organisations such as K2 Communications and Global Office revealed similar concerns in a different setting. Corporate employees often struggle with high stress, poor work–life balance, and limited emotional support. Vaishnavi highlights that mental health plays a vital role in workplace productivity by helping individuals pause, reflect, and gain clarity. However, she notes that open conversations around mental well-being are still lacking, making it essential for organisations to actively build healthier, more supportive work cultures.
Words for Women & Young Professionals
Vaishnavi shares grounded and empowering suggestions to those who aspire to enter the psychology field: believe in yourself, stay curious, and keep learning.
She also emphasises that mental health is not gender-specific but for everyone.
In a country still learning how to talk about mental well-being, Vaishnavi represents a new generation of Desi Udyoginis — women building impact-driven careers, redefining success, and proving that empathy, creativity, and courage are not just soft skills, but leadership strengths.
