by Suman Gupta
Mumbai, October , 2026: The Agrim Agarwal Foundation (AAF) marked its fifth anniversary with a special programme dedicated to mental health awareness, de-addiction and holistic well-being, bringing together healthcare professionals, mental-health experts, public figures and voices from the community.
Held at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vile Parle West, Mumbai, the anniversary programme centred on the theme of taking mental-health awareness and care forward through meaningful conversations and greater public engagement.
The programme was inaugurated with a keynote address by Shree Ravindra Satheji, Chairman, Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board (MSKVIB), who attended as the Chief Guest. He highlighted the importance of mental health, specially in this ever evolving landscape, figuring real definitions of mental health issues and the seriousness they hold while being aware of definitions loosely used in digital communication today.
A key highlight of the programme was the expert session titled “Healthy Body Lives in Healthy Mind – Beyond the Diagnosis,” featuring Dr. Vaibhav Choudhary, Director Medical & Precision Oncology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, and Dr. Unnati Lohade, Emotional Counsellor, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital. The session explored the importance of looking beyond clinical diagnosis and recognising the emotional and psychological dimensions of overall health.
The event also featured an AAF Talk by Mr. Sudhanshu Pandey,model, film and television actor, singer, writer, producer and poet. Speaking through personal stories and experiences, the session focused on courageous conversations, reducing stigma and creating a more compassionate environment around mental health. He specifically highlighted finding roots in our own culture, with more westernerised outlook in this globalised age.
Another major segment, “Conversation for Change,” explored how digital marketing influence is shaping the mental health, gut health and long-term well-being of young people. The panel brought together Ms. Riddhi Doshi Patel, Parenting Expert, Child Psychologist and Founder of Riddhi’s Academy; Dr. Kunal Jain, Gut Health Coach, Neuro Physiotherapist and Founder of Swasthya Shankul; and Mr. Ajay Damle, Chief Marketing Officer, DUSS Digital Infra.
The conversations highlighted the growing need for families, educators, healthcare professionals and communities to engage proactively with issues affecting young people’s physical, emotional and digital well-being.
Speaking about the milestone, the Foundation’s fifth anniversary was positioned not merely as a celebration of five years, but as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of compassion, awareness and accessible conversations around mental health and addiction.
The programme brought together multiple perspectives—from medicine and psychology to lived experiences, parenting, digital wellness and community engagement—reflecting the Foundation’s broader approach towards mental-health awareness.
The anniversary programme also received support and association from Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, DUSS Digital Infra, Mumbai News Express, Hello Mumbai News and Women Entrepreneurs Enclave (WEE).
As the Agrim Agarwal Foundation enters its sixth year, the anniversary programme reinforced a simple but important message: mental health deserves the same attention, understanding and care as physical health—and meaningful change begins when conversations become more open, informed and stigma-free.
