Manospandana : Rooted in Resilience, Guided by Compassion

Manospandana’s origins are deeply connected to the life of its founder, Sudarshan Hegde. Born and raised in the tranquil village of Jogabhtrakeri, Sudarshan was a bright, outgoing student, excelling academically while helping his parents in their areca nut farm and cattle shed. His potential led his uncle to encourage him to move to Bengaluru for further education. However, this transition brought unexpected challenges. The sudden shift from a familiar environment to a bustling metro, combined with language barriers and teenage struggles, triggered a mental breakdown—highlighting the complex interplay of hereditary and environmental factors in mental health.

Despite this, Sudarshan’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience. With the unwavering support of his family, especially his mother, and the guidance of Ramakrishna Ashrama Swamiji, he began to rebuild his confidence. His academic resurgence was bolstered by his then-lover and now wife, Vijaya Hegde, whose steadfast support over their 15-year bond exemplifies the profound impact a strong relationship can have on mental well-being.

Further psychological strength was cultivated under the mentorship of Dr. Vinod Chebbi and P.K. Saru (TSTA). The continued support from his uncle, Vidwan Ganapathi Bhat, and his family helped Sudarshan find his footing in Bengaluru and pursue his education.

These life lessons, grounded in love, support, and resilience, became the cornerstone of Manospandana. The values of empathy, understanding, and perseverance that Sudarshan learned during his struggles are now embedded in the foundation of Manospandana, guiding its mission to support others on their mental health journeys.