मन मुक्ति · Mental Liberation
MannMukti translates to “mental liberation” in Hindi. We operate as a university chapter of the national MannMukti organization. Our mission is to encourage healthy, open dialogue of South Asian mental health issues in an effort to remove stigma, improve awareness and promote self-care. Through grassroots advocacy, research, and outreach, we hope to normalize this topic of conversation within the South Asian diaspora and increase access to culturally specific care.
Our Team
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PALLAVI BADRI (she/her)
Co-President, Psychobiology '26
Pallavi is a 4th year Psychobiology major, interested in pursuing a career in clinical psychology. She joined MannMukti her freshman year to find South Asian community at UCLA. As co-president, she is looking forward to continue building this community and doing more to encourage open dialogue about South Asian mental health. Her favorite South Asian snacks are green kurkure and samosas. She’s always happy to talk about reading, tv shows and movies, and spots to hang out in LA, so feel free to ask her about that as well as for any school or life advice!
SHIVANI MOHAPATRA (she/her)
Internal Vice President, Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics '26
Shivani is a 4th year MIMG major, interested in pursuing a career in public health and epidemiology. She joined MannMukti to find community at UCLA, and a space to talk about mental health without judgement. As co-president she’s looking forward to building the community, and expanding South Asian specific resources available at UCLA. Her favorite South Asian snacks are pani puri and mudhi masala. She’s always open to talking, and feel free to ask her about books, school, crafting, and the best places to watch sunsets!
KHUSHI sharma (she/her)
Operations Director, Molecular, Cell, & Developmental Biology ‘27
Khushi is a 3rd year MCDB major and Global Health minor, interested in pursuing a career in medicine. She joined MannMukti to join and support a community centered around destigmatizing South Asian mental health and creating a safe space for students to ask for help. As a board member, she is excited to host engaging events to expand reach and further the mission of MannMukti along with planning fun socials for members to attend. Her favorite South Asian snacks are Parle G and Kurkure. She loves to meet new people and help build community. Feel free to reach out and ask any questions about school, life, books, TV shows, any rom coms, and give food recs in LA!
ARYAN JAIN (he/him)
Finance Director, Psychobiology '27
Aryan is a 3rd year Psychobiology major and prospective Brain and Behavioral Health minor interested in pursuing a career in medicine. He joined MannMukti to become a part of a community that also wants to destigmatize the topic of mental health within South Asians, and as a board member, he is excited to lead the SAATHI peer mentoring program for the year, as well as provide funding for our club. His favorite South Asian snacks are samosas and Parle G. Feel free to ask him any questions about school, and he loves coffee, photography, movies/tv shows, and aviation!
SACHI ASHTIKAR (she/her)
Communications Director, Psychology '26
Sachi is a fourth-year Psychology major with a minor in Brain and Behavioral Health, aspiring to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. She joined MannMukti to strengthen her connection to her South Asian identity and build meaningful relationships with peers who share similar backgrounds and lived experiences. As Communications Director, she’s excited to establish strong connections between members and campus/community organizations, creating a supportive network where South Asians can engage in open conversations about mental health and beyond. Her favorite South Asian snacks are pani puri and chakli, and she loves to chat so feel free to reach out to her about anything at all!