Recently, I came across a Free Press Journal article about Arpan NGO's annual review. This incredible organisation has reached 18.3 million people over two decades with its message on child sexual abuse. The scale of their impact is both inspiring and humbling. Arpan isn't just India's largest NGO addressing child sexual abuse; they're a beacon of hope for healing. With a team of over 120 professionals, they're taking this issue head-on through education, counselling, and pushing for real policy changes. What I really admire is their holistic approach, from their ArpanElearn portal that's bringing personal safety lessons into homes to dismantling the taboos that have allowed these wounds to deepen for far too long. Healing doesn't happen in a vacuum. It's individual, yes, but also familial and societal. Reading about Arpan's achievements, I couldn't help but think about the intricate web of factors that shape our mental health landscape. And that's why at IMHA, we're looking at the bigger picture. We know that mental health issues are often tangled up with all sorts of social and cultural challenges, especially ones that start when we're young. Child sexual abuse is a topic many struggle to discuss openly. Yet, it is a critical concern that spans multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions. Arpan's amazing work reminds us how important it is to connect the dots between different social issues and mental health. Their work reminds us that creating a mentally healthy society requires courage, persistence, and a willingness to confront difficult truths. It's a journey we must undertake together, across sectors and specialties, if we hope to build a more resilient, compassionate world. Amit Malik | Amaha | Shelja Sen | Amit Sen | Dr Kavita Arora | Children First Mental Health Institute Pvt. Ltd. | Kairavi Bharat Ram | Amitav Virmani | World Economic Forum | Pooja Taparia #WarriorsofArpan #ChildSafetyEverday #ChildSafety #NowIsTheTime #MentalHealth
What a powerful and inspiring overview of Arpan NGO's work! Their dedication to addressing child sexual abuse through education, counselling, and policy change is truly remarkable. The scale of their impact over two decades is both humbling and motivating.
This is so beautiful, Kudos to all of you.🌸
Founder & Chief Executive at Arpan
4moThanks so much Neha for your appreciation of Arpan and the work we have been doing. 😍 🙏