Ashadeep: a mental health NGO that rescues and restores

SOME unsung heroes work tirelessly to bring light to the lives of those hidden in the shadows. Dr. Anjana Goswami and her husband Mukul are such heroes who, four decades ago, embarked on a journey to rescue mentally ill homeless individuals, particularly women, from the harsh streets. Their mental health NGO called Ashadeep has been a haven for the abandoned, rescuing over 1,200 individuals and providing them with shelter, treatment and a chance at a dignified life.

The birth of Ashadeep

The inception of this mental health NGO can be traced back to the personal struggles of Dr. Anjana and Mukul. Faced with the challenges of finding suitable treatment for a family member battling mental illness, the couple witnessed firsthand the plight of those from low-income families left abandoned on the unforgiving streets. Motivated by empathy and a sense of responsibility, their mental health NGO named Ashadeep emerged as a sanctuary for the homeless mentally ill.

Dr. Anjana and her mental health NGO recall the grim reality faced by these individuals, stating, “Mostly those suffering from mental illness lose their way home and end up on the streets. Sometimes, a few are abandoned by their families and forced to live a miserable life on the streets. These people, out of hunger, eat out of garbage dumps and live painful lives. The fate of women is even worse. Without a safe shelter, they are subjected to constant sexual abuse on the streets.”

Mission and achievements

Ashadeep’s primary objective is as a mental health NGO is to provide the best possible treatment and psychiatric care to those rescued, enabling them to lead active lives. Over the years, the mental health NGO has not only offered a safe haven but has also focused on reuniting individuals with their families. “To date, we have been able to reintegrate over 1000 people with their families after completion of treatment,” Dr. Anjana proudly shares.

The mental health NGO goes beyond medical care, providing skills training and a variety of employment opportunities to empower those they rescue. This holistic approach aims to ensure that the individuals can rebuild their lives with dignity. To support Ashadeep, you can donate here.

Challenges faced by Ashadeep

Despite decades of selfless service, Ashadeep now faces an unprecedented challenge. The rising costs of medical care, food and other essentials have strained the financial resources of the mental health NGO. Dr. Anjana, who has devoted her life to this noble cause, is struggling to keep the doors of Ashadeep open for those in desperate need.

The call for support

The crux of the matter lies in the urgent need for financial assistance to sustain Ashadeep’s operations. The mental health NGO has launched a fundraiser, seeking support from compassionate individuals who understand the value of its mission. Your support can ensure that Ashadeep continues to be a safe haven for hundreds of people living pitiable lives on the streets, victims of circumstances beyond their control.

Testimonials speak volumes

To comprehend the profound impact that this mental health NGO has had on the lives of those it rescues, one need only listen to the testimonies of individuals like Preeti Chetri. Abandoned by her stepmother as a child, Preeti endured years of brutal hardship on the streets. Ashadeep intervened and rescued her from the abyss, providing not only medical treatment and therapy but also a renewed sense of hope.

Preeti recalls her painful past, stating, “My stepmother brutally abused me and left me on the streets when I was a child.” Ashadeep became the turning point in her life. Malnourished and diagnosed with severe mental illness, Preeti underwent years of dedicated care and therapy at Ashadeep. Today, she stands as a testament to the success of this mental health NGO, grateful to have found a safe home and a chance at a better life.

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In the realm of mental health NGOs dedicated to transforming the lives of the people in their care, Ashadeep stands out as a lighthouse of compassion and resilience. Dr. Anjana Goswami and her husband Mukul have devoted their lives to rescuing and rehabilitating the mentally ill homeless, providing them with a second chance at life. However, the mental health NGO now faces a critical juncture, with financial challenges threatening its ability to continue this vital work. 

Your support to this compassionate mental health NGO can make a tangible difference in the lives of those rescued by Ashadeep. By contributing to their fundraiser, you become a part of a movement that seeks to restore dignity and hope to those who have been cast away by society. Let us join hands to ensure that Ashadeep’s doors remain open, welcoming those in need and offering them a chance at a brighter, more dignified future. To support Ashadeep, you can donate here.