Uplifting the Next Generation of Women
About Us
Our Dream has always been to support orphan girls by giving them access to the best education possible. I believe that with the right opportunities—such as quality boarding schools—these children can grow into independent, confident, and successful individuals. Beyond academics, I also hope to support girls who are passionate about sports by connecting them with schools that nurture both education and athletic talent, helping them pursue their dreams to the fullest.
Community-Driven Impact
Sumna means benevolence favor grace (The pronunciation for the word "sumna" is typically "SUHM-nah" or "SOOM-nah).
The Ripple Effect
Our goal is simple: to empower orphan children with education and opportunity so they can stand on their own. If we help 100 children today, and each of them goes on to help just two more in the future, the impact multiplies—200 children, then 400, and so on. This cycle of giving ensures that the dream continues to grow far beyond where it began.
Support for a Brighter Future
Our work centers on providing quality education. Through future partnerships, Sumna hopes to support education and empower the next generation for a brighter tomorrow.
Building Lasting Partnerships
We believe in the power of lasting partnerships. That’s why we plan to collaborate closely with local orphanages and schools, building strong relationships that allow us to offer sustained, meaningful assistance. Through these future partnerships, we aim to provide not only necessities but also mentorship and the tools girls need to thrive and shape their own futures.
Dignity, Opportunity, and Growth
At Sumna, our mission is guided by a focus on dignity, opportunity, and long-term growth. We are dedicated to nurturing confidence, resilience, and hope, empowering girls to pursue their dreams and become leaders and change-makers within their communities.
A Message from Our Founder, President & CEO
From a young age, I carried a dream close to my heart: to help children access the education they deserve. Over the years, I found small ways to support kids here and there, but I longed to do something more meaningful and structured. In 2018, that dream became reality when we formalized this nonprofit and created Sumna.
Since then, we have proudly supported the education of five children, covering their schooling and opening doors to brighter futures. Some of these girls have gone on to become toppers in their schools—proof of what is possible when potential meets opportunity. We have added six children this year in 2026 and plan to support them through school and college. Your recurring monthly donation gives us the confidence to welcome more children into our program and provide them with long-term educational support.
My vision is to expand this mission, with a special focus on orphan girls. Too often, boys are more likely to be adopted while girls are left behind. I want to change that by giving orphan girls the chance to attend some of India’s best boarding schools—places that not only provide world-class education but also instill independence, resilience, and self-sufficiency.
It is also my hope that we can one day support girls with a passion for sports, helping them combine education with athletic opportunities so they can build empowered, fulfilling lives.
This is more than a dream—it is a responsibility. I urge you to join us in supporting these children. Together, we can ensure that every girl, no matter her circumstances, has the chance to learn, grow, and shine.
— Sheethal Surendran
Founder President & CEO, Sumna
Leadership Team
Sheethal Surendran
Mark Keane
Shashwat Shashwat
Uma Annamalai
