The Mpowering Minds Summit 2025, hosted by Mpower under the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), brought together leading experts from organizations such as Harvard Medical School, the World Economic Forum, and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia, alongside top psychiatrists, psychologists, educators, and policymakers. The summit aimed to address the escalating mental health crisis among India’s youth, emphasizing the urgent need for cross-sector intervention to combat what has become a public health emergency in the country.
A central focus of the event was the unveiling of the “Unveiling the Silent Struggle: Mpower Research Report,” which highlights the mental health challenges faced by college students across India. The report, presented by Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of ABET, and Dr. Vijay Bhaviskar, Director of Mental Health Services for the Government of Maharashtra, correlates issues such as loneliness, insomnia, and stress, which are becoming increasingly prevalent among young people.
The research findings were stark: mental health issues among youth often begin by age 14, with many conditions going unaddressed due to insufficient early intervention. Key statistics from the report include: 38% of students experience academic anxiety, 50% report declining academic performance, 41% experience social isolation, and 47% struggle with sleep problems—disproportionately affecting female students. Alarmingly, 9% of students reported severe sleep difficulties, while 8.7% have contemplated suicide due to academic pressure. Only 2% of students, however, seek professional help. The report also found a significant link between loneliness and sleep disturbances (35% correlation) as well as stress (47% correlation), further underscoring the need for systemic mental health reforms.
In response to these alarming findings, Birla announced the creation of the Global Mental Health Consortium, a collaborative initiative aimed at driving systemic change in India’s mental health landscape. The consortium will focus on policy transformation, early intervention models, and capacity building across sectors, with the goal of establishing mental health as a foundational pillar of public health and societal development in India.
“Our vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 is to cultivate a resilient, productive, and happy youth who will drive India’s progress,” said Birla. “The Mpowering Minds Summit 2025 is a crucial step in realizing this vision, bringing together experts to create lasting solutions for youth mental health. Through this summit, we aim to foster Acceptance, Action, and Advocacy, shaping policies, increasing funding, strengthening capacity building, and establishing a sustainable mental health framework in India. As we address these challenges, we must work collectively to reduce suicide rates and ensure that youth mental health is a top priority.”
Experts at the summit highlighted the critical need for immediate action. Dr. Shekhar Seshadri, Former Professor at NIMHANS, emphasized the importance of early intervention and collaboration between educators, parents, and policymakers. “Today’s youth face challenges that require an integrated approach. By strengthening response systems, we can prevent crises and ensure every young person receives the support they need,” he said.
Dr. Blaise Aguirre, Founding Medical Director of 3East McLean Hospital at Harvard Medical School, expressed concern about the global mental health crisis among adolescents, particularly in India. “Mental health for adolescents is in a state of crisis worldwide,” he said. “In India, the solutions to the worsening mental health of its youth are hindered by stigma and systemic gaps. The Mpowering Minds Summit is a critical step toward ensuring timely support and minimizing tragic outcomes. The time for action is now.”
Dr. Shyam Bishen, Head of the Centre for Health & Healthcare at the World Economic Forum, underscored the broader implications of mental health. “Mental health is not just a healthcare issue—it’s a basic human right and a cornerstone of social and economic wellbeing,” he said. “At the World Economic Forum, we advocate for integrating mental wellness into public health and economic policy through global multi-stakeholder partnerships.”
The summit successfully brought together a diverse group of academic leaders, clinical professionals, wellness experts, public health officials, and social impact advocates, fostering collaboration across education, policy, clinical practice, advocacy, and lived experiences. This platform aimed to create meaningful solutions and promote cross-functional learning, ultimately working toward a healthier future for India’s youth.
As the Mpowering Minds Summit 2025 concluded, the collective message was clear: addressing youth mental health in India requires a multi-pronged approach that includes policy change, early intervention, stigma reduction, and cross-sector collaboration. With the establishment of the Global Mental Health Consortium, the initiative is set to catalyze long-term improvements in mental health services and support for young people across the nation.
Related Topics:
