Svasti Consultation: United Way Delhi, NIMHANS, and India’s PSA Office Forge a Groundbreaking Alliance to Reshape Mental Health Landscape
United Way Delhi, in partnership with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) and the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Government of India, convened “Svasti: A National Consultation for Reimagining Mental Health Services” at NIMHANS, Bengaluru. This extraordinary event united prominent mental health trailblazers from academia, government, private sector, and civil society to share their expertise, experiences, and pioneering ideas to strengthen mental health services across different strata.
Taking its name from the Sanskrit term for “prosperity for all,” the Svasti consultation tackled the complex challenges of providing affordable mental health care to the most at-risk and marginalized populations. The event created an unparalleled forum for a diverse group of individuals, each devoted to distinct aspects of mental health services and target populations.
The consultation’s initial segment explored the challenges in access to and quality of mental health services, with a specific focus on women, children, youth, and informal sector workers. The latter segment centered on the challenges and recommendations related to mental well-being, underlining the importance of solid policy implementation and examining emerging technical innovations.
The event culminated in a collective commitment to implement a strategic roadmap for mental health services in India. Through this groundbreaking alliance, United Way Delhi, NIMHANS, and the PSA Office aim to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for those dealing with mental health issues, ultimately transforming the mental health landscape in the country.
