CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder & Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), and renowned actress Madhuri Dixit came together to falicitate and recognise individuals and organizations driving change in mental health at the Mpowering Minds Summit 2025, organized by Mpower under ABET.
This year’s honorees included Policybazaar (Digital Voice for Change), The Banyan (Impactful Outreach Campaign), Rishab Rikhiram Sharma & Sunny Kumari (Healing through Art), IIT Guwahati & Jaipur Engineering College & Research Centre University (Mental Well-being Educational Institute Champions), and Dr. Sid Warrier & Nikhil Taneja (Yuva Mental Wellness Stars). Their contributions span digital advocacy, grassroots outreach, artistic healing, and institutional mental health initiatives—each playing a vital role in reshaping India’s mental health landscape.
Mrs. Neerja Birla expressed gratitude for Madhuri Dixit’s presence, stating, “Mental health is a fundamental right, not a privilege. The time for conversation is over—the time for action is now. Recognizing these changemakers is crucial, as their work is shaping the future of mental well-being in India. To build a truly ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, mental health must be as much a priority as physical health.”
Madhuri Dixit echoed this sentiment, adding, “It is truly inspiring to see the incredible work led by Mrs. Neerja Birla in the field of mental health. As we all know, mental well-being is just as important as physical health and deserves the attention it needs. To all the changemakers—congratulations! And to every caregiver, thank you for your compassion, your support, and for being a pillar of strength. A world where everyone has someone who truly listens is a world where no one suffers alone.”
The summit also served as a platform for global experts from Harvard Medical School, the World Economic Forum, and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia, alongside leading psychiatrists and policymakers, to discuss urgent mental health challenges among India’s youth. The event featured the launch of the Mpower Research Report: “Unveiling the Silent Struggle”, which revealed alarming trends such as rising academic anxiety, social isolation, and sleep disorders among students. It also marked the introduction of the Global Mental Health Consortium, a cross-sector initiative aimed at systemic policy reform, increased funding, and sustainable mental health frameworks.
#NeerjaBirla #MadhuriDixit #MpoweringMinds #MentalHealth #WellnessSummit #MentalWellness #MindMatters #MentalHealthAdvocacy #MpowerIndia #PsychologicalWellBeing
