SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: BREAKING THE SILENCE

by Vinta Nanda April 11 2025, 12:00 am Estimated Reading Time: 3 mins, 45 secs

A courageous ride across India to shatter mental health stigma — a bold journey of empathy, storytelling, and healing that brings hope, awareness, and change to every city it touches. Vinta Nanda reports…

From the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene valleys of Kashmir, a transformative journey is unfolding across India—one that confronts the silence around mental health. Join us as we follow this inspiring campaign that’s uniting towns, cities, and communities in a powerful call for awareness and compassion. For exclusive coverage, route details, and personal stories from the road, visit The Daily Eye at www.thedailyeye.info.

A powerful journey is about to unfold across India—one that blends courage, creativity, and community engagement in a bold effort to confront one of the most pressing yet overlooked issues of our time: mental health.

It all began with a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter) by social activist Shabnam Hashmi, who shared that her daughter, Seher Hashmi, is gearing up for an extraordinary cross-country campaign. Along with a small team of equally passionate individuals, Seher is set to embark on a 19-city tour—on motorcycles—to raise awareness about mental health and fight the stigma that continues to surround it in Indian society.

Seher, who has been living with and navigating mental illness for over a decade, is the heartbeat of this campaign. Her story is deeply personal and resonates with many across the country who struggle silently. “The most difficult part,” Seher reflects, “was self-realisation—that there is an issue and I need help. My family was supportive, but the stigma in society, in schools, colleges, among peers—it was everywhere.”

Determined to turn her experience into a force for change, Seher saved up to buy her dream motorcycle—a Royal Enfield Meteor—and is combining her passion for riding with a mission for mental wellness. “There are hundreds of young people suffering but have no one to share their problems with. My aim is to give courage to those suffering, to come out and seek professional help.”

Joining her on this journey is Dev Desai, a co-campaigner, and Samanyu Shukla, a visual storyteller whose work is central to documenting this initiative. Also accompanying them is Nazneen Shaikh, a social activist whose commitment to community-driven change adds another layer of strength to the team.

Samanyu, a seasoned filmmaker and photographer, brings more than just technical skills to the table. With over a decade of experience in weaving stories that evoke empathy and introspection, his role is to give this journey a visual narrative that reaches far beyond the towns and villages they will visit.

“This journey began from a very personal place,” Samanyu shares. “I’ve seen people close to me struggle with mental health in silence. The stigma, especially in South Asian communities, is suffocating. When I learned about Seher’s story through Shabnam ma’am, I felt this urgent need to help amplify her voice.”

But Samanyu’s approach is rooted in humility and curiosity. “I’m also going into this journey with an open mind. I know there’s a lot I still need to learn. This isn’t just about telling stories—it’s about listening and growing as a human being.”

The team will travel through 19 cities, towns, and villages across India, engaging with communities, students, and local organizations. Their goal: to initiate conversations, share personal stories, and connect those in need with mental health professionals and resources. They aim to reach over 3,000 people directly, with many more through their digital campaign.

They are also compiling a handout of local mental health facilities—therapy centres, counselling services, and support networks—at each stop. If you or someone you know operates such services in any of the cities on their route, you can share the details at 9811807558.

This is not just a road trip—it’s a revolution on two wheels. A journey fuelled by vulnerability, strength, and solidarity. As Seher puts it, “I hope this campaign brings about a change—even if it’s a tiny one. Because even the smallest shift in perspective can save a life.”
Stay tuned to The Daily Eye for updates on this inspiring initiative as it rolls across India, one city and one conversation at a time.