Project Parivarthan launched to address mental health issues, addictions in youth

Nigama Foundation, in collaboration with MY Bharat, an initiative of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Pragathi Padham Youth Association, KH Mind Care, and SR Educational Society, on Saturday launched ‘Project Parivarthan’ at Sri Krishnadevaraya Bhawan in Anantapur.

The initiative aims to promote a society where youth are free from addiction (Nasha Mukt Yuva) and also foster awareness around mental health as part of building a Viksit Bharat. Sub-Collector Keshava Naidu, Nigama Foundation co-founder Vasundhara, National Youth Awardee and Viksit Bharat Ambassador Bisathi Bharath, Anantapur Urban Cooperative Bank director Sunkara Ramesh, and others attended the programme.

The event highlighted the vision of Union Health Minister Mansukh L. Mandaviya and the leadership of Nigama Foundation founder Sameer K. Penakalapati. Under Project Parivarthan, weekly orientation and interaction sessions will be held every Wednesday and Saturday targeting youth aged between 15 and 29 across educational institutions, residential hostels, and training centres.

The focus will be on addressing mental health issues, overcoming mobile addiction, preventing substance abuse, smoking, and alcohol consumption. All sessions will be conducted under the supervision of doctors and qualified mental health practitioners.

As part of the launch, the official posters of Project Parivarthan were released. Laptops sponsored by Nigama Foundation were awarded to institutions and organisations working actively for youth empowerment and the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ campaign in Anantapur and Sri Sathya Sai districts.

In recognition of their commitment, certificates were also awarded to youth volunteers who have taken an active role in promoting mental health and the vision of an addiction-free youth under the initiative.