Our Story
Atmiyata—empathy, and shared compassion
Our journey: Key Milestones
2013
Laying the Foundation
Housed at the Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy, Atmiyata was conceptualised by a team of interdisciplinary researchers that came together to tackle the problem of mental health care gap in low resource settings in India.
2014
The Idea Took Root
Atmiyata Pilot | 41 Villages | Nashik, Maharashtra
- Community-led mental health model conceptualised and Proof-of-concept study launched
- Demonstrated strong local acceptability and measurable reduction in symptoms of common mental health conditions
- The question shifted from “Does it work?” to “How far can it go?”
2016
First Scale-Up
Expansion to 530 Villages | Mehsana, Gujarat
- AT was directly implemented across 530 villages and embedded within community systems
- Strengthened rural mental health access at scale
2016 - 2019
Evidence at Scale
Rigorous Evaluation Confirms Impact
- Stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial conducted to assess that participants were 3x more likely to experience symptom reduction with the Atmiyata intervention.
- 2020—When Crisis Struck: COVID-19 Pandemic Response
- Atmiyata Champions provide crucial mental health and social care support during lockdowns and uncertainty. Community Facilitators volunteered for state helplines supporting people affected by COVID-19 and those in institutional care.
- Launch of the Atmiyata Course delivered twice annually during the pandemic.
- Three large-scale organisational trainings conducted (2020–2021) for preparedness
- Growing demand signalled a need to scale through partnerships
In isolation, connection became essential.
2020–2021
Building Capacity Nationwide
Launch of the Free Atmiyata Course
- Delivered twice annually during the pandemic
- Three large-scale organisational trainings
- Growing demand from NGOs and community-based organisations
Mental health was no longer invisible—and neither was the solution.
2020–2021
The Partnership Shift
From Direct Implementation to a Scalable Partnership Model
- First formal community-based partnership established
- Collaboration with organisations working with marginalised communities
- Two new funders onboarded
- Expansion into neighbouring regions
We realised scale required partnership — combining our expertise with local leadership.
2021
Global Recognition
Recognised by WHO as one of 25 global good practices for community mental health outreach
Local/Home grown innovation, global validation.
2022
Multi-State Expansion
114 Villages | 4 States
- Maharashtra
- Chhattisgarh
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
Scaling through partnership with Ambuja Foundation.
2024
Regional & National Spotlight
- Featured in WHO South-East Asia Region report
- Partnership with ASHWINI to expand to 320 hamlets in Tamil Nadu
2025
National and International Growth
- International adaptation pilot in East London, UK
- Expansion to 2,000+ villages across 9 states
- Partnerships in Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, and with Dalit & Adivasi journalist networks
The model travels — because communities everywhere value dignity and connection.
2026
Today
- Presence across 14 Indian states
- Multiple strategic partners
- Reaching over 25,000 people annually
From 41 villages to a multi-state movement — grounded in evidence, powered by communities. We learn and we grow.
2022
today
Today
- testing
- Multiple strategic partners
- Reaching over 25,000 people annually
From 41 villages to a multi-state movement — grounded in evidence, powered by communities. We learn and we grow.
From 41 villages to a multi-state movement — grounded in evidence, powered by communities. We learn and we grow.
2022
today
Today
- testing
- Multiple strategic partners
- Reaching over 25,000 people annually
From 41 villages to a multi-state movement — grounded in evidence, powered by communities. We learn and we grow.
From 41 villages to a multi-state movement — grounded in evidence, powered by communities. We learn and we grow.
From 41 villages to a multi-state movement — grounded in evidence, powered by communities. We learn and we grow.
