Hi!
We hit our first big milestone, we crossed 10,000 signatures! Thank you to each one of you who has shown support for my cause. Every time I see a new signature on my petition, I feel a renewed sense of motivation to work harder to reach my goal. I believe this is now our collective goal.
As for a potential second milestone, there have been some exciting developments in the last few weeks on our campaign that I'd like to share with you.
I got in touch with the Dy. Director of Mental Health, Government of Karnataka, Dr. Rajani P, and discussed my petition with her. She very graciously offered her inputs and even suggested having a meeting with her in person.
On her advice, I am now trying to get a meeting with Dr. Thrilok Chandra, the Commissioner of Health, GoK and the Dy. Director of Mental Health to pitch the idea of a state-wide maternal mental health programme. If everything goes according to plan, the meeting should take place within the next two weeks.
But in the meantime, I hope to reach out to as many people to join this movement. Because no action from the government will amount to anything without the support of the general public.
Public support for this cause will get the media's attention. This is all the more necessary with World Mental Health Day around the corner. When more journalists write about this long-neglected issue, the decision makers in government will be more inclined to make it a priority.
NEXT STEPS
Your support has enabled me to come so far. Let's build on this momentum. Together we can create waves, and not just ripples, in the way mental health is perceived and managed in India. There is strength in numbers. The more people you can share this message with, the more likely we are to succeed.
Here is a WhatsApp message you can share with your contacts to urge them to sign the petition:
Hoping to share more good news with you soon.
Regards,
Anvita Nair