Shri Shakti envisions a society where women live with dignity, equality, and independence, breaking cycles of abuse through systemic change.
About us
Shri Shakti (Shakti Public Charitable Trust) is dedicated to empowering women through targeted counseling, legal aid, and awareness programs to address the challenges they face in modern society. The trust addresses issues of domestic violence and toxic behavior, helping women make informed decisions. Through seminars and collaborations with experts, Shri Shakti raises awareness on gender equality and mental wellness across corporate and educational settings. Supported by domain experts and mentored by notable figures, Shri Shakti seeks to foster partnerships to broaden its impact. The organization focuses on promoting financial awareness for women and legal empowerment, ensuring they can understand and access their rights. By fostering an ecosystem of protection and empowerment, Shri Shakti aims to create a society where women are viewed as equals.
From the Chairman’s desk
At Shri Shakti, our focus extends beyond addressing domestic abuse—it is about uplifting womanhood in India as a whole. For centuries, women in our society have faced systemic inequality and a lack of respect, a situation that persists despite notable social advancements. This deeply entrenched issue requires more than surface-level change; it demands a transformation in the psychology and attitudes of people across generations.
Achieving this change is no small task. It involves undoing mindsets shaped by outdated ideologies and social norms that have long justified injustice. These deeply ingrained beliefs, perpetuated over generations, continue to affect how women are treated in our society.
At Shri Shakti, we recognize the need for sustained efforts to challenge these attitudes and foster respect and equity for women. While the journey is long, we are committed to initiating and driving meaningful change, step by step, towards a society where women are empowered to live with dignity and equality.
Meet the People Behind Shri Shakti
The process of selecting trustees for our charitable trust entailed identifying dedicated individuals who share a strong commitment to the organisation’s mission and possess relevant expertise. The most suitable people and thought leaders were chosen to govern and steer the charitable cause.
R Thyagarajan
Founder, Shriram Group
Chairman
R Thyagarajan
Shri Ramamurthy Thyagarajan, a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, has made significant contributions to India’s corporate and social landscape. Beyond introducing innovative financial solutions, he has been a steadfast advocate for women’s empowerment. Through initiatives like skill development, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurial support, he has enabled countless women to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.
Thyagarajan’s efforts have not only transformed individual lives but have also inspired a larger movement for gender equality and social progress. His vision for empowering women continues to guide efforts toward creating a more inclusive society, with this trust serving as a testament to his commitment to fairness and equity.
Sowmithra Srinivasan
Operating Trustee
Operating Trustee
Sowmithra Srinivasan
Smt. Sowmithra Srinivasan, is the head of the Trust as the principal thought leader in taking ideas into action. An experienced educator, she is a firm believer in women’s rights and education.
R Thyagarajan
Founder, Shriram Group
Shri Ramamurthy Thyagarajan, a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, has made significant contributions to India’s corporate and social landscape. Beyond introducing innovative financial solutions, he has been a steadfast advocate for women’s empowerment. Through initiatives like skill development, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurial support, he has enabled countless women to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.
Thyagarajan’s efforts have not only transformed individual lives but have also inspired a larger movement for gender equality and social progress. His vision for empowering women continues to guide efforts toward creating a more inclusive society, with this trust serving as a testament to his commitment to fairness and equity.
Sowmithra Srinivasan
Operating Trustee
Smt. Sowmithra Srinivasan, is the head of the Trust as the principal thought leader in taking ideas into action. An experienced educator, she is a firm believer in women’s rights and education.
L. Maithili Mehta
Legal Practitioner
Trustee
L. Maithili Mehta
L. Maithili, a graduate of Delhi University and Government Law College, Mumbai, is a legal practitioner with 37 years of experience. She founded M/s. L. Maithili and Associates in 2009, specializing in Indirect Tax Laws and representing major corporate houses and MNCs across India and abroad. As a Trustee of Shri Shakti Public Charitable Trust, she works to support women facing domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and other challenges. Ms. Maithili is also a member of various Internal Complaints Committees, including the Kalakshetra Foundation. Her expertise spans taxation, company law, family law, and more, with a strong focus on advocacy for underprivileged communities and gender justice.
VN Shiva Shankar
Corporate Lawyer
Trustee
VN Shiva Shankar
Shiva Shankar is a qualified lawyer, company secretary, and cost/management accountant with over 30 years of experience in the Indian corporate sector. He is the Founder of VNS Legal, a boutique corporate law firm based in Chennai, and serves as a Trustee for several NGOs focusing on education and empowerment. Actively involved with the “Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry” (SICCI), he serves on its Board. Shiva Shankar is also a strong supporter of the startup ecosystem, working closely with angel networks and entrepreneur associations to promote innovation. With over two decades of experience in academics, he is a guest faculty at various professional institutes and a regular speaker at industry conferences.
Aruna Anand
Educator
Trustee
Aruna Anand
Shiva Shankar is a qualified lawyer, company secretary, and cost/management accountant with over 30 years of experience in the Indian corporate sector. He is the Founder of VNS Legal, a boutique corporate law firm based in Chennai, and serves as a Trustee for several NGOs focusing on education and empowerment. Actively involved with the “Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry” (SICCI), he serves on its Board. Shiva Shankar is also a strong supporter of the startup ecosystem, working closely with angel networks and entrepreneur associations to promote innovation. With over two decades of experience in academics, he is a guest faculty at various professional institutes and a regular speaker at industry conferences.
Sowmiya Skandan
Entrepreneur
Consultant
Sowmiya Skandan
Sowmiya Skandan is a tech entrepreneur and passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. With over a decade of experience spanning technology, health, and social impact sectors, she has dedicated her career to creating inclusive opportunities and driving sustainable growth. She believes in the power of teamwork and small steps to create lasting, positive change. She’s excited to contribute to the trust’s initiatives and work alongside a team that shares her commitment to making a difference.
L. Maithili Mehta
Legal Practitioner
L. Maithili, a graduate of Delhi University and Government Law College, Mumbai, is a legal practitioner with 37 years of experience. She founded M/s. L. Maithili and Associates in 2009, specializing in Indirect Tax Laws and representing major corporate houses and MNCs across India and abroad. As a Trustee of Shri Shakti Public Charitable Trust, she works to support women facing domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and other challenges. Ms. Maithili is also a member of various Internal Complaints Committees, including the Kalakshetra Foundation. Her expertise spans taxation, company law, family law, and more, with a strong focus on advocacy for underprivileged communities and gender justice.
VN Shiva Shankar
Corporate Lawyer
Shiva Shankar is a qualified lawyer, company secretary, and cost/management accountant with over 30 years of experience in the Indian corporate sector. He is the Founder of VNS Legal, a boutique corporate law firm based in Chennai, and serves as a Trustee for several NGOs focusing on education and empowerment. Actively involved with the “Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry” (SICCI), he serves on its Board. Shiva Shankar is also a strong supporter of the startup ecosystem, working closely with angel networks and entrepreneur associations to promote innovation. With over two decades of experience in academics, he is a guest faculty at various professional institutes and a regular speaker at industry conferences.
Aruna Anand
Educator
Aruna Anand, a postgraduate in Advertising and Public Relations, has built her expertise in the advertising industry and sports management. As the manager and confidant of her husband, Chess legend Viswanathan Anand, she has played a key role in negotiating nine world championship titles, preparing speeches, and coordinating appearances, including the production of his biography, The Mind Master. Passionate about education, she has also worked as a Spanish teacher, creating tailored classes for children. With a strong interest in art, dance, and yoga, Aruna advocates for women’s empowerment, emphasizing the importance of voice and legal assistance in driving change.
Sowmiya Skandan
Entrepreneur
Sowmiya Skandan is a tech entrepreneur and passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. With over a decade of experience spanning technology, health, and social impact sectors, she has dedicated her career to creating inclusive opportunities and driving sustainable growth. She believes in the power of teamwork and small steps to create lasting, positive change. She’s excited to contribute to the trust’s initiatives and work alongside a team that shares her commitment to making a difference.
Shri Shakti's Supporters
Sandhya Rajan is Co-founder of Great Goals, a football and Basketball academy for Children and also manages Great Goals Trust that caters to providing sports education to children of limited means. She also serves as an independent director on the boards of a public listed company and a NBFC In the past, she has served in various organisations, including Research and Teaching Departments. She holds a Masters Degree in BioChemistry from the University of Madras .
She believes that everyone, irrespective of gender should be given equal opportunities and exposure brings a new perspective to every individual Breaking the silence of domestic violence is the first step to breaking the cycle of domestic violence. Support systems and safe spaces are crucial in empowering women to break this.
