As nearly half of India’s population is under the age of 25, addressing youth mental health has become a national imperative. Research shows that 50% of mental health disorders manifest by age 14, and 75% by age 24, underscoring the critical importance of early intervention. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that mental health disorders could cost India USD 1.03 trillion by 2030, signaling an urgent need for systemic reforms.
To tackle this growing crisis, the Mpowering Minds Summit 2025—led by Neerja Birla—will convene global leaders, policymakers, and mental health advocates on February 26, 2025, at the ITC Grand Central in Mumbai. The summit aims to catalyze meaningful change by strengthening mental health infrastructure, eliminating stigma, and integrating mental health education into school curriculums.
A Call for Systemic Change
Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Education Trust and Mpower, emphasized the urgency of prioritizing youth mental health. “Youth mental health is not just a conversation—it is an urgent call to action. We must move beyond awareness to systemic change that ensures access to care, eradicates stigma, and integrates mental well-being into every aspect of young lives,” she stated.
The Mpowering Minds Summit 2025 will focus on three critical pillars: Awareness, Action, and Advocacy—aimed at driving long-term, sustainable solutions. Birla also stressed that true national progress is not solely defined by economic growth but by the well-being and resilience of its people. “India has a unique opportunity to equip its youth with the tools needed to navigate mental health challenges, paving the way for healthier, more productive lives—and fueling stronger economic growth,” she added.
Key Focus Areas
The summit will feature over 300 changemakers, with discussions focusing on three key areas of youth mental health:
Strengthening Mental Health Systems: This will address the need for increased investment in mental health infrastructure and the importance of public-private partnerships to build robust systems of care.
Integrating Mental Health Education into Schools: Early intervention is crucial, and this session will explore strategies to ensure mental health education becomes a part of school curriculums, helping students recognize and address mental health challenges early on.
Expanding the Mental Health Workforce: This session will discuss efforts to enhance training and professional development opportunities for psychologists and psychiatrists, ensuring that a skilled workforce is available to meet the growing demand for youth mental health services.
Youth Mental Health Research Report
One of the highlights of the summit will be the launch of the Youth Mental Health Research Report, which will provide critical insights into the key triggers, challenges, and potential solutions in addressing youth mental health. The findings will serve as a foundation for policy reforms and actionable strategies aimed at building a healthier mental health ecosystem for youth across India.
Thematic Discussions
The summit will also feature ten thematic discussions on pressing issues such as:
- The intersection of mental health and technology,
- Community-driven interventions,
- The role of policy in shaping mental health care for youth.
Notable Speakers and Expert Insights
A lineup of distinguished speakers will share insights and best practices from around the globe:
- Dr. Shyam Bishen, Head of the Centre for Health & Healthcare at the World Economic Forum,
- Dr. Shekhar Seshadri, former professor at NIMHANS,
- Dr. Blaise Aguirre, Harvard Medical School,
- Dr. Zirak Marker, Psychiatrist at Mpower,
- Dr. Kersi Chavda, renowned Psychiatrist.
Their discussions will focus on the urgent need for systemic changes in youth mental health care and how India can draw on global best practices.
Additionally, Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, Chairperson of Lakshya Trust, and Dr. Indu Shahani, President of ATLAS SkillTech University, will highlight the role of communities and educational institutions in fostering mental resilience. Their session will focus on the importance of early intervention and community support systems in creating a mentally healthier society.
International Perspectives
International experts such as Dr. Claire Kelly, Senior Advisor at Mental Health First Aid International, and Dr. Wolfgang Seidl, Global Mental Health Consulting Leader at Mercer Marsh Benefits, will discuss strategies for scaling mental health interventions globally. They will explore innovative approaches to making mental health care more accessible and effective, particularly for India’s youth.
Other notable speakers include Anju Kish, Founder & CEO of UnTaboo, Nathan Spiteri, Hollywood filmmaker and mental health advocate, Dr. Ananth Prabhu G, cybersecurity expert, and Dr. Sanjay R. Kumawat, Director at Insight Mind Care Center. They will offer perspectives on how media, technology, and workplace policies intersect with mental health, shaping the well-being of India’s young people.
Conclusion: A Catalyst for Change
The Mpowering Minds Summit 2025 is expected to act as a catalyst for urgent reforms in youth mental health, uniting key stakeholders to drive systemic change. By addressing critical gaps in mental health policies and education, the summit aims to shape a healthier future for India’s youth and contribute to the nation’s broader socio-economic development.
The time for change is now, and this summit is set to play a pivotal role in transforming India’s mental health landscape for generations to come.
Related Topics:
