Project Aatmabal: A Mental Health Initiative by Rotary in collaboration with Mindhail

Launch Date: 18 August 2024

Venue: Block 12 Park, Nehru Enclave, New Delhi

On 18 August 2024, Project Aatmabal was officially launched as a mental health initiative aimed at supporting students and young professionals through greater awareness and access to professional counselling.

The initiative was led by the Rotary Club of Delhi Shine under Rotary District 3011, in collaboration with Mindhail, with the support of the Rotary Club of Delhi Central.

What Is Project Aatmabal?

Project Aatmabal was designed to move beyond conversations about mental health and create direct access to professional support.

Under the project, Rotary Club of Delhi Shine sponsored 500 counselling sessions to be provided by Mindhail to individuals in need of mental health support. The initiative was particularly focused on making professional counselling more accessible to people who may need support but face barriers in seeking it.

The project was built on a simple belief: awareness is important, but awareness alone is not enough. People also need a clear pathway to professional help.

As the mental healthcare partner, Mindhail was responsible for providing the sponsored counselling sessions and delivering professional mental health support under the project.

Supporting Students and Young Professionals

Project Aatmabal focused on groups navigating important personal, academic, and professional phases of life.

Students

Students may experience academic pressure, uncertainty about the future, social expectations, and personal challenges. Project Aatmabal aimed to make mental health support more approachable and provide a pathway to professional counselling for those in need.

Young Professionals

Young professionals often navigate career expectations, workplace pressure, financial responsibilities, and the challenge of balancing personal and professional life. Through the initiative, Project Aatmabal sought to encourage greater attention towards mental wellbeing and access to professional support.

The Official Launch

The launch event took place at Block 12 Park, Nehru Enclave, New Delhi, bringing together Rotary members, representatives of Mindhail, community members, and other stakeholders.

Ms. Atishi Singh, Hon'ble Minister of Education, Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, attended the event as the Chief Guest and officially launched Project Aatmabal.

During her address, Ms. Atishi appreciated the initiative and congratulated Rotary and Mindhail for their efforts towards strengthening mental health awareness and support.

The launch was joined by Rtn. Dr. Harvinder Popli from the Rotary Club of Delhi Central, Rtn. Rtr. Ankit Monga from the Rotary Club of Delhi Shine, and Md. Kashif Nazeer, Founder & CEO of Mindhail, along with Rotary members, representatives of Mindhail, and members of the community.

A Community Effort

The programme included an introduction to Project Aatmabal and its objectives, followed by the official launch.

The event also included a tree-planting activity, reflecting Rotary's wider commitment to community service. Following the launch, Rotary members and residents of Nehru Enclave came together to plant 50 saplings.

The activity added a wider community dimension to the event and reflected the collective spirit behind the initiative.

From a Sponsored Session to Meaningful Support

Project Aatmabal was more than a one-day launch programme. Its central objective was to create a direct connection between individuals in need and professional mental healthcare.

Through the sponsorship of 500 counselling sessions by Rotary and their delivery by Mindhail, the initiative combined community support with direct service delivery.

For Mindhail, Project Aatmabal represented an important opportunity to provide professional counselling as part of a collaborative initiative focused on making mental healthcare more accessible.

Project Aatmabal began with a shared commitment: mental health support should not remain limited to awareness - it should reach people through meaningful, accessible, and professional care.