About Us
Every mother deserves dignity, comfort and care.
Our IKIGAI Foundation is a Bengaluru non-profit, based in Kalyan Nagar, working for maternal health, lactation support and dignity for mothers across Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Our Story
It began with a maternity kit
When our founder, Sujitha Krishnan, was pregnant in Finland, she received the maternity kit the Finnish government gives every expectant mother. It made her feel cared for, prepared and celebrated, whoever she was.
She carried that feeling home, and Our IKIGAI Foundation was born to bring the same care to mothers from humble backgrounds in India. Today we support women through every stage of motherhood, because empowering mothers leads to healthier families and stronger communities.
“We believe every mother deserves dignity, every child deserves a better beginning, and every act of compassion has the power to transform generations. At Our IKIGAI Foundation, we are building a future where care, equality and opportunity are accessible to all.”
Ms. Sujitha Krishnan
Founder Trustee & Managing Director
Read Sujitha's story
What we do
The Nine Pillars of IKIGAI
From pregnancy to a girl's education, every stage of a woman's and child's journey.
What Ikigai means to us
A circle of life and purpose
At the centre of our logo is a red dot, representing women's strength and the nurturing force behind life. Around it stand nine colourful figures, for togetherness, diversity, hope and collective action.
Together they form a circle of life and purpose. That is what Ikigai means to us: a reason to rise, together.
Vision 2027
Where we are headed
- 01
Quarterly Seemantham
Every quarter, honour 50 mothers-to-be with a celebration, maternity kits and emotional support.
- 02
100 Cukoon Pods by 2027
Install Cukoon Pods across government hospitals, public institutions and workplaces in India.
- 03
Care in every community
Make care for mothers an integral part of every community and institution.
Leadership
Our founder trustees
Sujitha Krishnan
Founder Trustee & Managing Director
Sujitha is the heart and driving force behind the foundation, born from her belief that when a mother is supported, an entire generation flourishes. She brings over a decade of global experience across telecom, HR and project management, leading large international projects and delivery teams across continents.
Her true calling came from becoming a mother herself. Pregnant in Finland, she received the maternity kit the government gives every expectant mother, and never forgot how cared for it made her feel. That experience became the seed of Our IKIGAI Foundation. She is a former Rotary Club President (District 3190).
Read Sujitha's full profile
Venu Ravindran
Founder Trustee
Venu has shaped the foundation's mission to empower mothers, uplift underprivileged communities and create lasting change at the grassroots. With a strong background in entrepreneurship and leadership, he is Area Director for BNI Bangalore, mentoring entrepreneurs to grow through trust and shared success.
At the foundation he ensures every initiative, from Cukoon Pods to the Maternity Kit program, is delivered with care, integrity and impact.
Read Venu's full profile
Advisory board
Dr. Jija M. Harisingh
Advisory Board Member
IPS (Retd.), former DGP, Karnataka. A pioneering police officer, writer, painter, potter and mentor whose work inspires artists and changemakers across India.
Chetan
Advisory Board Member
Over two decades in global hospitality across India, the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Advisor to luxury boutique hotels and Director at thetravelglobe.
Where we work
Empowering communities across South India
Headquartered in Bengaluru, we work with hospitals, schools, temples and public institutions across Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- Cukoon Pod · Cochin International AirportKochi, Kerala
- Cukoon Pod · High Court Water Metro StationKochi, Kerala
- Cukoon Pod · Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja TempleHaripad, Kerala
Get Involved
Be a Part of a Kinder, Healthier Tomorrow
Your support helps us reach more mothers, create inclusive spaces and build stronger communities.