Our Story
Atmiyata—empathy, and shared compassion
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“Atmiyata should go very far...I have joined as a champion myself. Like me, 5 to 10 Champions should work with a pure heart like me.”
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.
2016 - 2019
Evidence at Scale
Rigorous Evaluation Confirms Impact
- AT was directly implemented across 530 villages and embedded within community systems
- Strengthened rural mental health access at scale
Stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial conducted to assess that participants were 3x more likely to experience symptom reduction with the Atmiyata intervention.
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.
testing 1
National and International Growth
- 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.
testing 2
National and International Growth
- 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.