By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

Twenty-eight years of touching lives, strengthening hearts and bringing hope. That, in essence, is the story of Prafulta - Centre for Psychological Wellness.

It all began humbly on September 8, 1998, with just five psychologists and a dream—to make psychological care accessible to those who needed it. Fr Adolph, then Rector of Dominic Savio, offered us a space by shifting the NIOS Section to the school, along with his blessings and encouragement. From that small beginning, Prafulta has grown into a vibrant mental health centre, today supported by a team of 36 professionals and a host of qualified volunteers.

Over the past 28 years, our outreach has grown enormously. Every year, Prafulta touches the lives of more than 50,000 students, parents, teachers, professionals and others through its many services. We conduct over 15 professional training programmes and more than 2,000 workshops for students, parents and teachers. Around 3,000 students benefit from our career guidance programmes. Our outreach extends to Aghai Village and Subash Nagar Basti, as well as several municipal schools. At Dominic Savio, we provide daily support to the boarders through our Enrichment Programme.

At the Prafulta Centre, thousands more find support through psychiatry and counselling, occupational therapy and remediation, career guidance, psychometric testing and other psychological services.

Mental health is not simply about the absence of illness. It is about having the emotional strength to face life, the resilience to rise after setbacks, the ability to build healthy relationships and the freedom to discover and develop one’s potential. In a world where children, young people and adults face unprecedented academic, professional, social and emotional pressures, caring for mental health is as important as caring for physical health. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness; it is an act of courage and self-care. Prafulta therefore seeks not merely to treat problems, but to promote wellness, prevent distress, strengthen resilience and enrich lives.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Until every tear is wiped away, our work of nation building is not done.” In much the same way, until every youngster has the opportunity to grow into an emotionally healthy, resilient and fulfilled person, Prafulta’s work is not done.

And so, as we celebrate 28 years, we do so with gratitude for the past, joy in the present and hope for the future. We celebrate every person who has walked through our doors, every life touched, every tear wiped away, every new possibility discovered and every volunteer and professional who has shared in this mission.

Prafulta is 28—but the journey continues.

There are still lives to touch, wounds to heal, potential to awaken and hope to kindle.

Here’s to many more years of enhancing and enriching life—one person, one family and one community at a time!