Our Story
Atmiyata—empathy, and shared compassion
Our journey so far
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.
2013–2015 The Idea Takes Root
Atmiyata Pilot | 41 Villages | Nashik, Maharashtra
- A Community-led mental health programme was piloted and a Proof-of-concept study launched n Nashik, Maharashtra
- The study demonstrated strong local acceptability and measurable reduction in symptoms of common mental health conditions.Read more
- The question shifted from “Does it work?” to “How far can it go?”
2017 First Scale-Up
Expansion to 560 Villages | Mehsana, Gujarat
- Atmiyata was directly embedded within community systems in Gujarat in 530 villages of Mehsana
- This was our first step towards strengthening rural mental health access at scale
2017-2019 Rigorous Evaluation Confirms Impact
The Atmiyata Team undertook a stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial that confirmed that participants were 3x more likely to experience symptom reduction with the Atmiyata intervention. Read more
2020 When Crisis Struck
COVID-19 Pandemic Response & the launch of the Atmiyata Course
- Atmiyata Champions provided crucial mental health and social care support during lockdowns and uncertainty amongst isolation.
- Our Community Facilitators volunteered for state helplines supporting people affected by COVID-19 and those in institutional care.
- The Atmiyata Course (free of cost, delivered twice annually during the pandemic) was launched to enhance community mental health support and equip participants to identify, reach out and support persons in distress.
In isolation, connection became essential.
2021 Building Capacity Nationwide
- A growing demand for capacity building in mental health care signals the need to scale through partnerships
- Three large-scale organisations were trained to provide mental health care, leading to strengthened partnerships and visibility.
Mental health was no longer invisible — and neither was the solution.
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 The Partnership Shift & Multi-State Expansion
From Direct Implementation to a Scalable Partnership Model
- First formal community-based partnership was established to collaborate with organisations working with marginalised communities across India
- The next few years have marked a series of partnerships across India through our partnership pathways
We realised scale required partnership — combining our expertise with local leadership.
2025 National and International Growth
- International adaptation pilot in East London, UK
- Expansion to 2,000+ villages across 9 states
The model travels — because communities everywhere value dignity and connection.
2026 Today
- Today Atmiyata is present across 14 Indian states through multiple strategic partners
- Atmiyata reaches over 25,000 people annually
From 41 villages to a multi-state movement — grounded in evidence, powered by communities. We learn and we grow.
