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In order to fill in the deficits in our mental health infrastructure, and to address the need for open conversations around mental health so as to bring about positive changes in the aspect, I founded the project ‘Kahaaniya’. Kahaaniya is a Hindi word which means ‘stories’. The reason for this name is because I believe that stories, thoughtfully told inclusive stories are the way to address the issues of stigma and taboo around this issue, while also increasing our sense of awareness around the subject. Kahaaniya is a social project, which is in essence an extensive newsletter, published online quarterly with the help of collaboration with students and partner NGOs.
Among the several initiatives undertaken by this project, is the ‘Our Stories’ workshops, conducted in collaboration with a our partner NGO, Prajna Foundation. Through these workshops, our aim was to emphasize and demonstrate the importance of sharing stories of our personal experiences and journeys in the spirit of expression and interaction. Further, the project, through normalization, aims to destigmatize the conversations around vulnerability and mental health. These workshops train the participants with tips and tricks on breaking the barrier of vulnerability through storytelling, poetry, illustration etc. The Our Stories initiative encourages journaling as a way of staying in touch with your emotions and expression.
To supplement this learning, the project also curated a series of 3 storybooks for children with the aim to disseminate information about the importance of creativity and seeking outlets for managing everyday struggles to promote enhanced well-being.
Finally, a big part of project Kahaaniya is the Kahaaniya fundraiser, the proceeds of which are then donated to the partner NGO, to aid in the work of empowerment and mental health awareness to further add to the world to benefit from.
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