Our Journey: From a Spark of Empathy to a Beacon of Hope

 

The seed of Sarg was planted in a conversation, a late-night exchange between two lifelong friends, Navya and Saahil. We've known each other for over two decades, shared countless memories, and witnessed the world change around us. But one thing remained stubbornly stagnant: the mental health landscape in India.

 

It was the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the cracks in our society were laid bare. We were discussing a young teenager, someone Navya had connected with through an online community. This child, living in rural India, was facing a harrowing mental health crisis. They were self-harming, crying out for help, but their cries were falling on deaf ears. Their parents, gripped by fear and misconception, refused to seek medical help, not understanding the urgency of their child's suffering. The outdated stigma surrounding mental health, the fear of legal repercussions (a fear rooted in misinformation), had created a barrier, a wall of silence that was suffocating this young life.

 

That conversation was a turning point. We realised that despite the passage of time, despite the supposed progress, the mental health challenges we faced as teenagers were still haunting a new generation. The urgency to change this reality became undeniable. We knew we had to act, to build a bridge of understanding, to dismantle the walls of stigma, and to empower individuals with the knowledge they desperately needed. Mental health education, we decided, would be our starting point.

​

Our Mission: Illuminating the Path to Mental Wellbeing

​

Sarg's mission is to transform the mental health landscape in India by:

​

• Destigmatizing mental health conversations: We believe in breaking down the barriers of silence and shame, fostering open and honest dialogue about mental wellbeing.

​

• Increasing mental health literacy through targeted educational programmes: We are dedicated to providing accessible and effective education, empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate their mental health journey.

​

Our Vision: A Future of Understanding and Support

 

We envision an India where mental health is universally understood, openly discussed, and effectively addressed. In this future, every individual has access to quality mental healthcare, free from stigma and discrimination. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, Sarg aims to foster a society that prioritizes mental well-being, leading to improved quality of life for all citizens.

​

Where We Are Now: Building a Foundation for Change

​

Sarg has evolved from a passionate social initiative into a registered private limited company, a testament to our unwavering commitment to our mission. We have made significant strides in our journey, including:

​

• Conducting multiple in-person mental health awareness seminars, reaching educators and educational institutes with vital information and support.​

​

• Completing insightful research with young people and educators, providing us with a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs of today's youth.

​

• Developed our digitally-delivered educational programs and are implementing the early access version with educators across India.

​

• Launched our in-person workshop series in educational institutions across India.  

​

Our programs and workshops are a key step in our strategy to empower educators to become mental health champions in their classrooms and communities (learn more).​ We are now poised to scale our efforts, starting with the education sector, and to continue building a future where mental health is prioritized and supported across India. These milestones validate our approach and set the foundation for our future growth in destigmatizing mental health, improving care access, and advocating for progressive policies in India.