Dharamshala (S Gopal Puri)
In a groundbreaking initiative, social organization People for Action has launched a unique campaign to address the growing mental health crisis in India. Drawing inspiration from history—where King Akbar’s nine gems significantly shaped public opinion—the organization has collaborated with India’s leading artists to raise awareness about mental health through the transformative power of art.
Afsana Cherian Kapoor, Director of Operations at People for Action, believes this collaboration will inspire governments, social activists, and organizations to work together to tackle mental health issues. “This campaign aims to move everyone to action by leveraging art’s ability to heal and inspire change,” she said.
The Mental Health Crisis in India
Mental health in India has reached a critical juncture, with alarming statistics underscoring the urgency of the issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 50 to 70 million Indians suffer from common and severe mental disorders. India holds the grim title of the world’s suicide capital, with over 2.6 lakh cases of suicide annually and an average suicide rate of 10.9 per lakh people. While some seek help, many others suffer in silence due to stigma and lack of awareness.
A Unique Campaign: Art for Mental Health Awareness
To combat this crisis, People for Action has launched a first-of-its-kind advocacy campaign titled “Connecting Lives Through the Language of Art.” It features renowned Indian artists such as Subodh Gupta, Paresh Maity, Jatin Das, Mona Rai, Sanjay Bhattacharya, Rajendar Tiku, Nupur Kundu, Maya Burman, Farhad Hussain, Vinita Karim, Swapan Bhandary, Asit Kumar Patnaik, and Oinam Dilip.
Over a three-day camp in Dharamshala, these celebrated artists will create a platform for open conversations on mental health through live art exhibitions, workshops, mindfulness sessions, and interactive dialogues. The initiative aims to normalize discussions, reduce stigma, and promote compassion for those affected.
Artists Speak: The Power of Art to Heal
“Art has a unique ability to connect, heal, and inspire,” says Nupur Kundu, artist and curator of the campaign. “This initiative reflects our commitment to creating safe spaces where people can express emotions and find comfort in knowing they are not alone.”
Renowned artist Sanjay Bhattacharya adds, “This campaign celebrates vulnerability, creativity, and connection. Together, we are building a movement to bring joy, understanding, and support to people’s lives.”
Paresh Maity highlights art’s profound role in bridging divides: “This collaboration demonstrates how art can open minds to essential issues like mental health.” Jatin Das reinforces the campaign’s core message: “We live in a world obsessed with perfection, but through this platform, we celebrate the beauty of imperfection and being human.”
A Call to Action
Afsana Cherian Kapoor, Founder of People for Action, emphasizes the importance of collective effort: “The Art Yatra Artists Campaign is a call to normalize mental health conversations through creative expression. By reducing stigma and fostering awareness, we aim to create a culture of empathy, understanding, and action.”
About People for Action and NamaH
People for Action is a non-profit organization committed to impactful solutions in the mental health space. Its initiative NamaH has been at the forefront of promoting emotional well-being by offering platforms for dialogue, awareness, and recovery stories.
Adding a melodic touch to the campaign, Merlin D’souza, a renowned composer and pianist, has created a special theme to amplify the message. Her music connects hearts and inspires collective action for mental health awareness.
This campaign urges individuals, organizations, and policymakers to come together to ensure accessible, compassionate, and stigma-free mental health care for all. With art as a unifying force, People for Action is building a movement for change—one brushstroke, one note, and one conversation at a time.
