About us

Mindkshetra was born out of a belief that creativity can be a powerful medium for healing, reflection and growth. Founded by Rupa, a cultural artist, Art Psychotherapist, Counsellor, storyteller, podcaster, educator and social entrepreneur, Mindkshetra is where art meets mental health — a space to nurture emotional wellbeing through creative expression.

The Meaning

Behind ‘Kshetra’

The word ‘Kshetra’ in Sanskrit means a sacred space, a place of cultivation, or a space of transformation. It symbolises the inner field within each of us — the mind and heart — where growth, healing and self-awareness take root. By combining ‘Mind’ and ‘Kshetra’, the name Mindkshetra reflects our philosophy: creating a sacred space where minds can be explored, expressed and empowered through creativity and compassion.

Our

Philosophy

Mindkshetra is built on the belief that creativity is not a luxury, but a necessity for emotional and psychological wellbeing. Through art therapy, counselling and community arts initiatives, we aim to make creative practices a part of everyday wellbeing rituals — especially for young people, culturally diverse communities and women of colour.

About

Rupa

Rupa is a proud woman of colour, a first-generation Tamil-speaking Indian Australian, and an Amma (mother) of two young adults. Her lived experience as a migrant woman deeply informs her approach — grounded in empathy, cultural awareness and inclusivity.

Drawing from a decade-long career as a Lead Training Specialist in corporate environments and her extensive work with youth and community organisations, Rupa specialises in providing culturally sensitive, creative arts-based psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic solutions to sustain individual, community and organisational wellbeing.

Since 2018, she has been practising Art Psychotherapy and has led collaborations such as Arts for Wellbeing, an initiative with Cumberland Council for October Mental Health Month. Her work has been recognised through multiple awards, including:

Top 50 Small Business Leaders (Inside Small Business, 2021)
Finalist, Performing and Creative Arts – Western Sydney Women Awards (2021)
Finalist, Stellar Australian Women in Creative Arts – Australian South Asian Centre (2023)
Finalist, Health Services Industry – Cumberland Business Awards (2024)
Recipient, Blacktown Creative Arts Fund (2018)

In 2023, Rupa also began working as an Academic Placement Coordinator with Western Sydney University, supporting Master of Art Therapy students in securing placements.

Storytelling

and Creative Expression

Rupa’s creativity extends beyond therapy rooms. Her passion for storytelling and cultural identity is reflected in her podcast “Mindkshetra Talks: Lost in Translation”, co-created with her daughter. The podcast explores generational and cultural narratives between South Asian women, celebrating connection through dialogue and shared stories.

Rupa takes pride in being the first Art Therapist in her family — and someone who continues to paint the world a kinder shade. When she isn’t working with clients or collaborating with communities, she enjoys dancing, draping sarees and writing about their origin stories.