Our Mission

Aagahi Academy stands at the passionate intersection of hope and action, committed to advancing mental health awareness throughout our community in India-a place where the burden of psychological suffering is heavy and the forces of stigma, silence and inadequate resources remain strong. The mission is clear but not easy: to empower individuals and communities, especially parents and teachers, to navigate the challenges of raising young people in the rapidly changing times, with the psychological insight, support, and compassion needed to nurture emotionally resilient communities.

India is facing a silent mental health crisis that demands urgent, compassionate response. Nearly 150 million Indians need active intervention for psychological well-being, with 80% never receiving adequate care. The impact is everywhere-depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction erode lives, disrupt families, and worsen outcomes for our children. With suicide rates soaring, India now records over 170,000 deaths each year; among urban metros, Bangalore is among the most affected, especially for young people where suicide has tragically become the leading cause of death for ages 15–29.

Despite the overwhelming need, India suffers an acute shortage of professional mental health care. There are only 0.7 mental health professionals per 100,000 people, far below the recommended 3 per 100,000-a gap of over 27,000 psychiatrists and tens of thousands of psychologists and social workers. Fewer than 3,400 clinical psychologists serve the entire country, and each year only a thousand new professionals join the workforce. This reflects not just a shortage, but the arduous journey of training and the reality that mental health work is rarely financially lucrative or socially honored. Our organization celebrates those few who dedicate themselves to this demanding, life-changing vocation, and champions their courage and dedication.

Our plan is twofold – to educate the community to help themselves and to help train more mental health professionals to help them. 

We focus especially on empowering parents and caregivers, recognizing the unique demands and isolation of nuclear families in a rapidly changing world. Parents feel less supported, and the landscape of social challenges-career pressure, digital overload, addiction, and uncertainty-demands ever-evolving skills and guidance. By helping families become more psychologically informed and connected, we believe we can prevent future crises and cultivate a more resilient generation.

We are also deeply committed to expanding the number and capability of mental health professionals serving our community. Through our specialized programs, we not only provide high-quality education and training for new and practicing professionals, but we prioritize their personal well-being and growth, offering ongoing support for their own self-examination and emotional health-ensuring that those who care for others are themselves cared for and resilient. This dual focus strengthens both the effectiveness and sustainability of mental health care, enabling professionals to provide more compassionate, ethical, and high-impact support to those in need.

Our mission is underpinned by the principles of kindness, generosity, ethical practice, inclusivity, self-examination, collaboration, and respect for diversity. Difference. We strive for a world where people feel seen and supported, where psychological suffering is met with compassion, and where emotional well-being is recognized as foundational to a flourishing community.

We know we cannot do this alone. Philanthropic participation is essential-especially from those who have personally experienced the transformation that mental health care can bring, or who understand that emotional well-being touches every aspect of human existence. Financial contributions, volunteer efforts, and advocacy from allies everywhere will fuel not just our growth, but the evolution of society toward greater empathy and resilience.

As we face a world marked by uncertainty, crisis, and transformation, our pledge is to bridge the gap-connecting those in need with those equipped to help, restoring community, and reimagining mental health for India, hand in hand with every supporter who shares our vision.