Our Journey & History

Our Story: From a Spark of Empathy to a Beacon of Hope

The seed of Sarg was planted in a conversation, a late-night exchange between two lifelong friends. We've known each other for over two decades, shared countless memories, and witnessed the world change around us. But one thing remained stubbornly stagnant: the mental health landscape in India.It was the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the cracks in our society were laid bare. We were discussing a young teenager, someone Navya had connected with through an online community. This child, living in rural India, was facing a harrowing mental health crisis. They were self-harming, crying out for help, but their cries were falling on deaf ears. Their parents, gripped by fear and misconception, refused to seek medical help, not understanding the urgency of their child's suffering. The outdated stigma surrounding mental health, the fear of legal repercussions (a fear rooted in misinformation), had created a barrier, a wall of silence that was suffocating this young life.That conversation was a turning point. We realised that despite the passage of time, despite the supposed progress, the mental health challenges we faced as teenagers were still haunting a new generation. The urgency to change this reality became undeniable. We knew we had to act, to build a bridge of understanding, to dismantle the walls of stigma, and to empower individuals with the knowledge they desperately needed. Mental health education, we decided, would be our starting point.

Our Mission: Illuminating the Path to Mental Wellbeing

Sarg's mission is to transform the mental health landscape in India by:
★ Destigmatizing mental health conversations: We believe in breaking down the barriers of silence and shame, fostering open and honest dialogue about mental wellbeing.
★Increasing mental health literacy: We are dedicated to providing accessible and effective resources, empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate their mental health journey.We envision an India where mental health is universally understood, openly discussed, and effectively addressed. In this future, every individual has access to quality mental healthcare, free from stigma and discrimination. Through literacy, advocacy, and community engagement, Sarg aims to foster a society that prioritizes mental wellbeing, leading to improved quality of life for all citizens.

Where We Are Now: Building a Foundation for Change

After starting out as a passionate social initiative in 2022 and evolving into a registered private limited company in 2023, we soon realised that we did not want to be gatekeepers for lifesaving resources.While we found some success conducing in-person workshops at educational institutions and developing and implementing our digitally-delivered educational programs, since 2026, we have chosen to focus exclusively on our not-for-profit initiatives. This includes our podcast, Nuts & Bolts of Wellbeing, Navya's editorial, Research & Realities, and most recently, we spun off our blog, School of Thought, into a brand-new digital magazine.

Our Founder & CEO

Meet our founder, Navya, the driving force behind our vision. Her nearly decade-long expertise and strong values inspire our mission to improve mental health literacy in India.

• Linktree
• Globe

By day, Dr. Navya Sharan is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hamburg, where she studies how we interact with modern-day technologies. She holds a Bachelor's in Psychology from University College London, a Master's in Human-Machine Communication from the University of Groningen, and a doctorate degree from the University of Amsterdam. Passionate about mental health, she co-founded Sarg to reshape the dialogue around mental health in India, combining her expertise in psychology and technology to enhance health literacy.While Sarg was Navya's brainchild from the very beginning, her efforts have been amplified by those of the founding team, who helped develop Sarg into what it is today.

• Read more about The Founding Team

The Founding Team

Sarg stands on the shoulders of giants... well, not literally. But right from the moment our idea was conceptualised, we have been supported by psychologists, social scientists, and researchers. While we cannot (but would love to!) list everyone who worked with us over the years, we would like to honour these voices who shaped Sarg into what it is today.At present, they may not actively participate in the our everyday operations but remain involved in Sarg in an advisory capacity. You may see the polished final product but they are the ones who give their opinions on the first drafts!Meet the folks who kicked off The Sarg Initiative!

School of Thought

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School of Thought is our former blog, which as of April 2026, has been spun off into a digital magazine. We provide informative content and deep dives into specific topics. Our mission is to empower you with knowledge and insights that foster understanding and support for mental well-being. Explore our articles and resources to enhance your awareness and navigate the complexities of mental health in modern day India.School of Thought is designed with the explicit purpose to meet you where you are in your mental health journey, providing support tailored to your needs.Interested in (guest) writing or producing for us? We are currently recruiting for writer, producer, and other roles in our Digital Outreach Team. Apply here!

• Read about the team creating School of Thought

Nuts & Bolts of Wellbeing

• Spotify
• Apple Music
• Amazon Music

Nuts and Bolts of Wellbeing is your go-to podcast for all things mental health, specially curated for an Indian audience. We are here to break the ice on those tough topics and give you the knowledge and tools to tackle life's ups and downs like a pro! Navya is often joined on the quirky couch by her real-life friends as cohosts, and together, they bring the comfort of their decades long friendship to you as they discuss some of the hardest hitting topics. With our insightful expert guests, relatable stories, and handy coping tips, this podcast will feel like charcha over chai with your oldest friends.Our first season aired in 2024: Navya was joined by Saahil, and together, they dove into some of the basics of mental health that are seldom discussed openly. Most recently (in January 2026), we launched a limited series called Nuts & Bolts of Wellbeing: Offscript, in which Navya was joined by social media and pop culture expert, Simran. Bridging the gap between hot gossip and mental health, this is the limited series you did not know you needed.So, come hang out with our awesome host, Navya from Sarg, and get ready to dive into real conversations about mental health in India. Don’t forget to listen and subscribe today! All links above.P.S. Interested in partnering with us on our next season? We are open to all forms of collaborations, partnerships, and sponsorships. Reach out to us at [email protected]!

Research & Realities

• LinkedIn
• Substack

Research & Realities is Navya's editorial blog, where she brings forth all the ways in which psychology and mental health permeate into everyday societal discourse. Join her in developing a deeper understanding of how all societal issues are mental health issues. Her column is published every month on LinkedIn and Substack (as of April 2026!). Subscribe to catch it when it airs!Pro Tip: If you sign up to her Substack, you will get her column directly in your inbox!

Contact Us

The best way to reach us is through email at [email protected]. You can also DM us on our Instagram or LinkedIn pages, all of which are linked below.