Turning Empathy into Action: Teenager Shaina Mittal Funds Rs 1 Lakh Mental Health Project

She said that her motivation was deeply personal, rooted in her own experiences with loneliness and anxiety while studying in the United States. File Photo.

In a remarkable display of youth leadership, 18-year-old Shaina Mittal has donated Rs 1 lakh to the Vatsal Chaya Trust to support its 'Sakushal Project', an initiative dedicated to mental health awareness. Shaina, a resident of Chandigarh, presented the contribution at the NGO’s Panchkula office, fulfilling a commitment to utilise profits from a fundraiser she organised for social good.

The donation originated from a special Christmas fundraiser held last December, specifically designed to spark conversations around the mental health challenges confronting today’s youth. After covering operational costs, Shaina earmarked the entire remaining profit for the cause.

She said that her motivation was deeply personal, rooted in her own experiences with loneliness and anxiety while studying in the United States. Upon returning to Chandigarh, she channelled these challenges into purpose by launching an event management venture, Reveliq Events, alongside her advocacy work.

Shaina emphasised that modern, social media-driven lifestyles leave young people emotionally vulnerable, making open dialogue essential. Under the project, she will collaborate with Trust founder Sangeeta Vardhan to conduct a year-long series of podcasts, webinars, and awareness sessions in schools and colleges. These sessions will be held both online and offline, aiming to turn empathy into tangible action.

By honouring her commitment, Shaina has set a benchmark for social responsibility, proving that personal success is most meaningful when it uplifts society.

Source: The Tribune