Sangath IMGs 2023-24 List
DRISHTi – Social Issues in Health Research Course
DRISHTi was developed to strengthen researchers' understanding of the social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of health research. Through an online capacity-building course, the project introduced participants to key concepts related to equity, lived experience, community engagement, and responsible research practices. Developed in collaboration with subject experts, the course created a platform for interdisciplinary learning and encouraged researchers to adopt socially responsive approaches in their work.
Project Highlights:
Developed a comprehensive online learning course.
Collaborated with six faculty experts during course development.
Successfully trained 65 researchers in the inaugural cohort.
Featured in the FMES newsletter, increasing program visibility.
Love Hurts! – An Online Game on Dating Violence in India
Love Hurts! is an innovative digital learning initiative designed to increase awareness of dating violence among adolescents and young adults in India. The project developed an interactive online game that uses storytelling and decision-making scenarios to help users recognise unhealthy relationship behaviours, challenge myths surrounding dating violence, and promote healthy relationships. The initiative demonstrates how digital tools can engage young people in conversations around gender, safety, and mental wellbeing in an accessible and relatable manner.
Project Highlights:
Developed an interactive game prototype on dating violence.
Created an engaging digital resource for adolescent awareness and education.
Presented the project at the Mental Health Without Borders Conference (NIH, USA).
Established a scalable platform for future implementation and evaluation.
Raah: Leveraging a community-based health centre in rural Rajasthan to develop and disseminate awareness materials on sexual and reproductive health for couples
The Raah project sought to improve access to culturally appropriate sexual and reproductive health information for couples accessing maternal health services in rural Rajasthan. Working closely with communities, the project co-developed educational materials that supported informed decision-making, encouraged male engagement, and strengthened communication around reproductive health. The resources were integrated into the Khushee Mamta program to enhance routine counselling and community outreach.
Project Highlights:
Reached approximately 1,000 couples through community engagement activities.
Developed culturally appropriate information, education, and communication (IEC) materials.
Integrated project resources into routine maternal health services.
Promoted positive male engagement in sexual and reproductive health.
Stakeholder consultation workshop on Climate Crisis and Mental Health
This project explored the intersection between climate change and mental health by bringing together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and community organisations to identify emerging priorities and opportunities for action. Through stakeholder consultations and community engagement activities, the initiative facilitated dialogue on the psychological impacts of climate-related events and highlighted the importance of integrating mental health into climate adaptation and public health planning.
Project Highlights:
Engaged more than 70 stakeholders across sectors.
Strengthened collaborations with organisations including NHM, UNICEF, UNDP, and NIMHANS.
Increased visibility of climate change as a mental health priority.
Training on peripartum disorders for ASHA workers
The project aimed to strengthen the capacity of frontline health workers to identify, understand, and respond to common peripartum mental health concerns among women. In partnership with Lok Swasthya SEWA Trust (LSST), the project developed a structured training program that equipped ASHA workers with practical knowledge on maternal mental health, early identification of symptoms, psychosocial support, and referral pathways. By integrating mental health into routine maternal healthcare, the initiative sought to improve awareness and access to timely support for women during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
Project Highlights:
Trained 100 frontline health workers on peripartum mental health.
Developed a practical training manual to support future capacity-building initiatives.
Increased awareness and confidence among frontline workers to identify and respond to maternal mental health concerns.
Established a long-term collaboration with LSST to strengthen community mental health services.