Phulpakhru
A SIDDHANT PRATISHT HAN INITIATIVE
about Us
|Phulpakhru: The Butterfly Effect in Action
We believe small actions can lead to real change.
Our work focuses on creating many small moments of kindness and care around mental health. One honest conversation can break years of silence. One event can encourage someone to ask for help. One moment of connection can remind a person that they are not alone.
Through community partnerships and awareness efforts, we work to reduce stigma and make conversations about mental health easier and more normal. We may not always see the full impact of what we do, but we know that thoughtful, consistent actions add up.
This is how we try to make a difference, one small step at a time
The Phulpakhru Intiative
|Depression – Let’s talk
What is depression :
Depression is more than feeling sad for a few days. It affects how a person feels, thinks, and functions in everyday life. It can take away energy, interest, focus, and the ability to enjoy things that once felt normal.
Why this matters today :
Across age groups, more people are experiencing symptoms of depression than ever before. Fast-paced lifestyles, constant comparison through social media, academic and work pressure, isolation, and uncertainty have made mental health struggles more common and
more visible.
What it can look like :
Depression doesn’t look the same for everyone. It may show up as constant tiredness, changes in sleep or appetite, anxiety, irritability, loss of concentration, or feelings of hopelessness. Sometimes, it’s quiet and easy to miss.
It can affect anyone :
Depression is not a weakness and not something you can simply “snap out of. ” It can affect people of any age, background, or circumstance.
Why awareness is critical :
Understanding depression helps people recognise early signs in themselves and in those around them —friends, family, colleagues. Early recognition leads to earlier support, which can make recovery easier and more effective.
The important truth :
Depression is treatable. Talking to someone, seeking professional help, and accessing the right support can make a real difference. Starting the conversation is often the first and most important step.
“Using Phulpakhru as a platform, Siddhant Pratishthan would like to draw attention to this very serious issue that plagues every society- and perhaps every home today. The Phulpakhru intiative is planned to revolve around spreading awareness on depression and how to treat it.”
|Suicide Awareness
Why this matters :
Suicide is a serious public health concern, especially among young people. According to the World Health Organization, it is one of the leading causes of death globally in the 15–29 age group. While men die by suicide more often, women report more attempts. Suicide is rarely caused by a single factor, it usually results from a mix of mental health conditions, life stressors, and moments of acute crisis. Common risk factors include depression, substance use, prior suicide attempts, financial or relationship stress, chronic illness, abuse, and social isolation. Early recognition and timely support can significantly reduce risk.
Warning Signs to look out for :
Emotional
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, guilt, feeling like a burden, emotional numbness, or sudden mood shifts.
Behaviour:
Withdrawal from people, loss of interest in daily life, substance misuse, reckless behaviour, changes in sleep or appetite, or talking about wanting to die. Any past self-harm, suicide attempt, or access to lethal means should always be taken seriously.
Thoughts
Frequent thoughts about death, feeling trapped, black-and-white thinking, difficulty concentrating.
|Our vision
We aim to create a society where warning signs are recognised early and help is sought without fear or stigma. Suicide should be understood as a preventable health issue, not a personal failure. Through awareness and open conversations, we hope to equip individuals, families, educators, and communities to respond with empathy, act in time, and ensure that no one feels alone in their pain.
Launching ‘Phulpakhru’
Phulpakhru was organised by Siddhant Pratishthan in collaboration with the Thane Municipal Corporation and Thane Mental Hospital. The involvement of public health institutions was central to the initiative, bringing medical credibility, professional insight, and institutional support to the conversation around mental health.
The event was designed as a public-facing awareness initiative, encouraging open dialogue and community participation in a safe, accessible space. It aligned with the World Health Organization’s focus on depression and the importance of talking about mental health openly, without fear or stigma.
By working closely with civic authorities and mental health professionals, the initiative helped bridge the gap between clinical care and the public. It reinforced the idea that mental health is not just a personal issue, but a shared responsibility that communities, institutions, and individuals must address together.
Phulpakhru Team
Expert Led Program
|Dr. Anjali Deshpande
Director, Insight Mind Care Centre
A senior psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience, Dr. Anjali Deshpande leads an advanced psychiatric facility in Thane and consults across multiple centres. Formerly a Senior Consultant at the Regional Mental Hospital, Thane, Dr. Deshpande currently consults across multiple centres in the city, making specialized care widely accessible.
Her clinical work spans a broad spectrum of mental health concerns, including stress and depression in women and children, addiction-related disorders, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety and phobias, schizophrenia, and other severe mental illnesses. Grounded in evidence-based practice, her approach emphasizes early intervention, awareness, and compassionate, longterm care for individuals and families.
Activities as part of the initiative
TALKS FROM REPUTED DOCTORS
As part of the initiative, we conducted open talks and awareness sessions led by reputed doctors from the Thane Mental Hospital. These sessions were aimed at the general public and focused on simplifying mental health concepts, addressing common myths, and answering real questions people often hesitate to ask.
Hearing directly from experienced medical professionals helped normalise conversations around depression and mental health, while also reinforcing the importance of seeking timely, professional support.
HANDS ON ART
At Phulpakhru, we used simple artbased activities to help people express what they often struggle to put into words. Creating something with their hands allowed participants to slow down, relax, and connect with their emotions in a safe, non-judgmental space.
These activities supported people dealing with stress, anxiety, loneliness, and low mood by encouraging calm, focus, and connection with others. Art became a gentle way to open conversations, build confidence, and remind participants that healing can begin with small, creative moments.
SYYBOL DANCE WALKATHON
As part of Phulpakhru, we introduced a unique dance walkathon built around the theme Depression – Let’s Talk. The idea was simple: combine movement, music, and community to create an activity that felt joyful rather than intimidating.
Research shows that physical movement and dance can positively impact mood, reduce stress, and improve emotional well-being. By blending walking with light dance movements, the walkathon encouraged participants to stay active while also feeling relaxed, energised, and connected to those around them.
Other Fitness- Related Activities
Cyclathon
Musical fitness
Music Therapy
Laughter Therapy
Hypnotherapy
Reflexology
Meditation Yoga
More than just exercise, the activity created a shared experience that promoted openness, positivity, and conversation—using movement as a way to support both physical and mental health.
Street Play – Gadbad to create awareness
|About Us
Siddhant Foundation was formed during a period of economic hardship, when rising inflation and uncertainty were deeply affecting everyday life. What began as a modest initiative to sell vegetables at cost price grew into a sustained commitment to social service and community welfare. The was established under the guidance of Mrs. Sadhana Manoj Pradhan, whose long-standing involvement in social work is driven by the belief that no senior citizen should go to bed hungry.
At the heart of our work is the Siddhant Ration Scheme, which supports destitute senior citizens across Thane. Through this program, we provide monthly groceries, essential household items, and healthcare support. Beneficiaries are identified through a careful screening process to ensure assistance reaches those who need it most. Alongside this core initiative, the foundation has undertaken several other efforts, including organising medical camps for senior citizens and tribal communities in Yeoor, donating an ambulance to improve access to healthcare for tribals, running skill development programs to support employment, and carrying out community improvement initiatives in underserved areas.
“It has been said that something as small as the flutter of a butterfly’s wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world”