Ira Khan Transforms Personal Struggles into Mental Health Advocacy
From privilege to purpose: How Ira Khan has turned a personal battle with mental health into a lifeline for others
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Ira Khan, daughter of actor Aamir Khan, founded the Agatsu Foundation and Community Centre in Bandra, Mumbai, to support mental wellness after her own battle with depression. The center offers a safe space for individuals to connect and engage in creative activities, addressing the rising mental health crisis among youth in India.
- 01Ira Khan founded the Agatsu Foundation to support mental wellness in Mumbai.
- 02The center offers free activities like yoga and art therapy to foster community connections.
- 03Khan highlights the alarming suicide rates among Indian youth, particularly those under 25.
- 04She emphasizes the need for corporate support for mental health initiatives.
- 05Khan advises against starting a business during depressive episodes due to decision-making challenges.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Ira Khan, the 29-year-old daughter of actor Aamir Khan, has established the Agatsu Foundation and Community Centre in Bandra, Mumbai, to promote mental wellness after her own experience with clinical depression. The center, which opened in 2023, provides a safe space for individuals to engage in activities such as yoga, movement therapy, and art without judgment. Khan aims to create a community where people can connect, especially in a competitive city like Mumbai where many feel isolated. She highlights the urgent need for mental health support, noting that about 10,000 young people in India die by suicide each year, with the numbers increasing among those aged 18 to 25. Despite her privileged background, Khan faces challenges in securing financial support for her foundation, which she hopes to address through corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding. She also emphasizes the importance of open communication about mental health in workplaces and advises the youth to avoid launching start-ups during depressive episodes, as it can exacerbate feelings of indecision and low self-esteem. Khan's mantra for overcoming challenges is to maintain a life beyond work, encouraging social connections and activities.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Agatsu Foundation provides crucial mental health support in Mumbai, addressing the loneliness and stress faced by many young individuals in the city.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you believe mental health initiatives should receive more corporate funding?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.



