An 18-year-old entrepreneur from Chandigarh is turning her personal struggles with anxiety into a powerful mission to support the mental well-being of India's youth. Shaina Mittal, a former Carmelite student, has launched a dedicated initiative to spark conversations and provide resources for psychological challenges faced by young adults.
From Personal Struggle to Purposeful Action
Shaina's commitment stems from her own difficult experience. While studying in the United States, she grappled with intense feelings of loneliness and anxiety, which ultimately led to her decision to return home to Chandigarh. Rather than letting this experience define her negatively, she channeled her energy into entrepreneurship, establishing Reveliq Events, an event management company, at just 18.
Alongside building her business, Shaina nurtured a deep desire to address the mental health crisis she saw among her peers. This dual passion culminated in the conceptualization of a Christmas fundraiser entirely dedicated to mental health awareness. "I organised a Christmas fundraiser in collaboration with Vatsal Chaya Trust, a reputed non-governmental organisation working for underprivileged children and women," Shaina explained.
The Sakushal Project: A Year-Long Mission for Well-being
Under this initiative, named 'Sakushal'—meaning well-being—funds are being raised specifically for mental health awareness programs. Shaina clarified that after covering the event's operational expenses, all remaining proceeds will be donated to Vatsal Chaya Trust to bolster its existing mental health initiatives.
This fundraiser is merely the beginning. It marks the launch of a comprehensive, year-long endeavor called the Sakushal Project. Shaina will work closely with Sangeeta Vardhan, founder of Vatsal Chaya Trust, to execute a series of podcasts, webinars, and awareness sessions. These will be conducted both online and offline across various schools and colleges. "These sessions will address mental health issues that are particularly relevant to today’s youth," she affirmed.
Addressing the Pressures of a Digital Generation
Shaina pointed to the unique pressures confronting modern teenagers as the core reason for her project. She highlighted that young adults are heavily exposed to social media and inhabit a fast-paced culture where instant gratification is the norm. This environment, coupled with what she describes as often overprotective parenting, can sideline the development of crucial resilience and coping skills.
"Teenagers today are constantly under pressure to look perfect, achieve instantly and never fail," Shaina observed. "I have lived through that pressure, and I want to tell them that it is okay to struggle and okay to slow down. My journey taught me that courage is not the absence of fear. It is choosing to move forward despite it."
A Community Event with a Core Message
Leveraging her event management expertise, Shaina curated the fundraiser to be more than just a charity drive. It featured 10 diverse stalls offering food, lifestyle brands, and essential products, designed to draw in the community. "The exhibition is designed not just as a community experience but also as a platform to spark meaningful conversations on mental health," she added.
To create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere, the event included live musical performances by various bands. The community-building effort was further enhanced by a social night with popular DJs, bringing people together in a spirited show of support for the vital cause of mental health awareness among India's youth.
