Shruthi Kumar: The Inspiring Founder of GoYogi Transforming Youth Mental Health with Yoga and Mindfulness

 

Shruthi Kumar: The Inspiring Founder of GoYogi Transforming Youth Mental Health with Yoga and Mindfulness

Mental health challenges among students are increasing worldwide, and innovative solutions are more important than ever. Shruthi Kumar, the founder of GoYogi, is leading a powerful movement to bring yoga, mindfulness, and meditation into schools to support student well-being. From her early days in rural Nebraska to becoming a Harvard graduate and social entrepreneur, Shruthi’s journey is a story of passion, resilience, and meaningful impact.

In this article, you’ll discover how Shruthi started GoYogi, her career milestones, achievements, and the lasting legacy she’s building to help students thrive emotionally and mentally.

Early Inspirations: How Shruthi Kumar Discovered the Power of Mindfulness

Shruthi’s interest in yoga and mindfulness began when she was just a child growing up in rural Nebraska. In first grade, she experienced yoga for the first time, which helped her manage stress and stay calm even in challenging situations.

A turning point came when her 13-year-old cousin was diagnosed with depression. Seeing this struggle up close made Shruthi realize how crucial it is to provide young people with accessible mental health tools - especially in communities where resources are limited.

In 2017, while still in high school, Shruthi founded GoYogi. She started a yoga club at her school and traveled to Tamil Nadu, India, for intensive yoga teacher training. These experiences shaped her vision to make mindfulness easy, inclusive, and part of everyday school life.

Growing GoYogi: Expanding Reach and Impact

After launching GoYogi, Shruthi worked hard to grow the non-profit’s reach. She developed a multilingual app with mindfulness lessons and partnered with schools and youth centers across the U.S. and internationally. By 2024, GoYogi had touched the lives of over 7,000 students worldwide.

At the same time, Shruthi pursued her studies at Harvard University, majoring in History of Science and Economics with a minor in Human Evolutionary Biology. She didn’t stop there - she co-directed Harvard’s Wellness Educator Program and served on the Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee, advocating for student health and equity.

Shruthi also championed social justice causes on campus, including increasing access to free menstrual products from 24% to nearly 100%, showing her commitment to holistic well-being.

Today and Beyond: Shruthi Kumar’s Vision for the Future of Student Wellness

As of 2025, Shruthi continues to lead GoYogi’s growth with exciting new plans. These include launching live mindfulness classes, stress-tracking tools, and modules to support teacher self-care. Her goal is to make mindfulness a standard part of school curricula nationwide, helping students develop emotional resilience early on.

Shruthi is also a sought-after speaker and social entrepreneur. After graduating from Harvard in 2024, she delivered the prestigious Le Baron Russell Briggs Commencement Speech, inspiring many with her messages of authenticity, compassion, and strength.

Notable Achievements of Shruthi Kumar and GoYogi

•      Founded GoYogi in 2017, providing mindfulness and yoga education to thousands of students worldwide
•           Finalist for Team USA at the 2018 World Championships of Yoga Sports
•     Winner of the 2019-2020 Voice of Democracy national speech contest, earning a $30,000 scholarship
•         Honored with the 2019 Diana Award for social action in youth mental health
•       Valedictorian of her high school and recognized on the Omaha World-Herald All State Academic Team
•        Co-directed Harvard’s Wellness Educator Program and influenced student health policies
•       Led efforts to improve menstrual equity on Harvard’s campus, increasing access to free products dramatically
•     Served as a United Nations Academic Impact Millennium Fellow and President of the Harvard South Asian Association

Shruthi Kumar’s Lasting Legacy: Changing the Way Schools Support Mental Health

Shruthi Kumar’s work with GoYogi is reshaping how schools approach mental health - moving from reactive treatments to preventive, accessible mindfulness practices. By combining technology, education, and wellness, she’s created a scalable model that empowers students globally to build emotional balance and resilience.

Her leadership inspires a new generation of social entrepreneurs and mental health advocates. Shruthi’s story-from a small town in Nebraska to Harvard and international recognition-is proof that empathy, science, and community action can create real, lasting change.

Final Thoughts: Why GoYogi Matters for Students Today

In today’s fast-paced world, students face unprecedented mental health challenges. Shruthi Kumar’s GoYogi offers a hopeful, practical solution by making mindfulness part of everyday school life. This approach not only helps reduce anxiety and improve focus but also fosters a compassionate and supportive school environment.

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