St. Louis, Illinois — SAKHI – St. Louis Alliance of Indian Women, in collaboration with the Support Network for South Asians (SN4SA) and NAMI Illinois (National Alliance on Mental Illness), is organising SAKHI Samvedna, a two-part programme titled “Open Conversations on Mental Wellness,” focusing on the challenges of parenting in the South Asian community.
The programme aims to create a safe and supportive space for parents to discuss their experiences, understand the emotional and psychological aspects of parenting, and learn practical strategies to navigate the challenges of raising children. Through open conversations, professional guidance and shared experiences, the initiative seeks to promote mental wellness, strengthen family relationships and encourage greater awareness of the unique challenges faced by South Asian families.
The sessions will feature two panellists, Mona Sawhney, a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Webster University, and Dr. Kirti Mehrotra, an educator and administrator with over 25 years of experience in education, child development and community engagement.
Mona Sawhney brings expertise in helping individuals navigate anxiety, life transitions, relationships and family dynamics, with an emphasis on emotional awareness, resilience and meaningful connections. Dr. Kirti Mehrotra combines her experience in education and child development with a passion for strengthening connections across generations.
The programme will be conducted in two sessions: a virtual session on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CDT, followed by an in-person session on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CDT, at The Pointe at Ballwin Commons. Participants are encouraged to attend both sessions for a more meaningful and comprehensive experience.
Through SAKHI Samvedna, the organisers hope to encourage families to speak openly about mental health, learn from one another and build stronger, healthier relationships. The initiative reflects SAKHI’s continued commitment to women’s empowerment, community building, mentorship and the overall well-being of South Asian families.