The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that one in five people worldwide suffer from signs of mental health problems. In India, between 600 and 70 million people suffer from common and severe mental health conditions. This data adds some context and highlights the importance of talking about mental health. We talked with some of the city’s famous figures, all of whom are inspiring conversations about mental health.
‘Mental health is not a luxury, it is a right to birth‘
Entrepreneur Miheeka Bajaj Daggubati believes that just as we have learned to treat diabetes when sugar spreads to everything, it is time to treat mental health the same way. With this simple and powerful intention, a spiritual well-being community and NGO, the Mudita Tribe was born. “It’s starting with one thing: conversation. Because talking about our feelings shouldn’t be taboo – it should be as natural as breathing,” said Miheeka, the founder of Mudita Tribe. “Whether online or offline, we want to build a space where people can feel strong, informed and supported without judgment. On the ground, our work spans different age groups,” said Miheeka. “With the focus of children, our focus is more than just recognition, our work is more than just recognition – we are developing a layered program that includes an emotion-based skill and provides enough inspiration for students and set up a professional student, and we will build a professional activity. Those who need more intensive care, fusion therapy, rehabilitation and education, so we aim to leave out with older people to create community centers that enable them to reactivate their social lives and rediscover goals and connections.”
Why it matters more than ever
It’s time to standardize these conversations in our living rooms, boards and community spaces. “Workshops, especially those rooted in intentions and purposes, are getting us there. Recently, we hosted a mental health awareness workshop organized by Ficci Yflo, a collective pause, a safe space where over 75 women were invited to reflect on their inner world.”
Mental health is not a luxury, but a foundation. Madrika said: “Because of fear, introspection, cultural taboos, or just habits that keep oneself ongoing, whether emotionally or physically healing.
The power of conversation
Mental health awareness is an ongoing effort to reduce the stigma of emotional illness and mental health conditions by sharing our personal experiences. “These workshops are essential because they help normalize the conversation around mental health, viewing it as a common and important component of overall well-being. This also raises awareness by helping individuals realize that they are not alone in their experience,” said Dr. Valudini, who is currently a counselor at Nalsar University. Listening to others sharing their challenges creates a sense of connection and reduces isolation. She added: “The workshop also provides a space for open dialogue to encourage exchange of ideas, coping strategies and support.”
Independent Quotation
We play a lot of roles in our daily lives – we are professionals, mothers, daughters, friends and leaders. We put our energy and dedication into our work, our families and our communities. But, in this constant effort, it is easy to ignore the foundation that supports us all: our mental health. ”
Pallavi Jain, Chairman of YFLO
