Khumriyal, Kupwara: In a significant effort to tackle the growing mental health crisis in India, the “Breaking Stigma One Mile at a Time” campaign arrived today at the Anhad Community Centre in Khumriyal. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about mental health issues, encourage young people to seek professional help, and foster a supportive environment for those affected by mental illnesses.
India faces a severe mental health challenge, with mental disorders ranking as the second most common cause of years lived with disability (YLDs) and suicide as the third leading cause of death in several states. Despite 15% of Indian adults experiencing mental health issues requiring treatment, up to 92% receive no help.
The campaign was conceived by Seher Hashmi, a motivational speaker and fashion stylist who has personally battled clinical depression and borderline personality disorder for over a decade. She is joined by prominent social activist Dev Desai, activist and singer Nazneen Shaikh, filmmaker Samanyu Shukla, and entrepreneur Mehraj U Din.
On April 20, the team set out from New Delhi on an ambitious journey covering 20 cities and villages, including Anantnag, Baramulla, Jammu, Srinagar, Sopore, and Kupwara. Traveling by Royal Enfield motorbikes and car, they are conducting 30 interactive sessions with students, communities, and mental health professionals to combat stigma and promote access to therapy.
The campaign was flagged off in Delhi by Dr. Amit Sen, Dr. Rajiv Mehta, and therapist Khilly Marwaha, with over 100 supporters present. Throughout their journey, the team is distributing mental health resource folders, including lists of accessible helplines.
At the Khumriyal event, Azad Naqshbandi, in his welcome address, emphasized the link between drug addiction and mental health, praising Seher’s inspirational journey and her message for young women. Principal Nazir Ahmad of Govt. Higher Secondary School, Khumriyal, highlighted the critical importance of mental well-being and lauded the team’s initiative.
Speaking to the audience, Dev Desai recounted his experiences creating the “Talk It Out” platform during the COVID-19 pandemic, which connected over 90 mental health professionals with young people in need.
Seher Hashmi shared her personal journey of resilience, speaking openly about battling suicidal thoughts and the decade-long process of healing through therapy and medication. She urged everyone to prioritize mental health alongside physical health.
Adding a soulful touch to the event, Nazneen Shaikh performed the inspirational song “Yeh Hausla Kaise Ruke,” emphasizing the healing power of music.
The event drew a large audience, including students, women, and men from Khumriyal, with dignitaries like Shamsul Mushtaq, Principal of Shah Anwar School, and Ghulam Mohiuddin, Principal of Iqra Public School, in attendance.
The Khumriyal program was coordinated by Abdul Raouf Shaikh along with Ishfaq Ahmad Mir, Kulsooma Khan, Shahid Bhat, Rohi Rashid, Aejaz Ahmad, and Sameera Bano from the Anhad Community Centre.
Anchors Nighat Mohiuddin and Shabnam Bano skillfully conducted the event, and the efforts of 15 young volunteers from the Centre ensured its smooth success.
As the campaign continues its journey, it carries forward a powerful message: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness — and breaking the stigma is a road we must travel together.
