MIND Expo 2026: Creating a Platform for Counselling, Conversations and Collective Action
MIND Expo 2026 opened in Hyderabad on Wednesday with a message that mental health must move beyond awareness alone and become a more accessible, open and collective conversation.
The three-day expo, being held from September 2 to 4 at the Engineering Staff College of India (ESCI), Gachibowli, has been designed as a platform for mental health awareness, counselling, psychosocial support, family wellbeing and community outreach. Centred around the theme “Awareness, Access and Action,” the expo brings together professionals, students, families, organisations and the wider community.
A major attraction is the opportunity for one-on-one counselling, allowing visitors to directly interact with professionals and seek guidance. The expo also features intellectual sessions, expert conferences, panel discussions, workshops, interactive experiences and stalls, creating a space for learning, support and engagement.
In the opening address, conveners C. Veerender and V.V. Rao explained the vision behind the event and why it is being presented as India’s first-of-its-kind mental health expo. The idea, they highlighted, is to bring different dimensions of mental wellbeing, professional expertise and support services onto a common platform.
C. Veerender invoked renowned writer Sri Sri, saying, “When you and I come together, we become ‘us’; when many ‘us’ come together, we become the people; and when the people unite, they create a powerful movement.” The thought reflected the expo’s emphasis on collective participation, meaningful connections and community action.
V.V. Rao highlighted the work of the Spoorthi organisation and its outreach campaigns, including major public walks from Hyderabad Buddha to Amaravati Buddha and Hyderabad to Hanamkonda, among other initiatives.
The opening-day intellectual sessions connected mental wellbeing with different aspects of everyday life. Dr. Sanjana Kiran, speaking on the psychology of performance, urged participants to focus on themselves first rather than becoming consumed by who they want to become in the future. She emphasised that significant growth can begin with small and simple steps, which can gradually develop into something much bigger.
In another session, Sri Sandeep Shandiliya, IPS, highlighted the importance of empowering youth and protecting them from drug abuse. Discussing ways to avoid drugs and raising awareness about different types of substances, his address served as a wake-up call for teachers, parents and society, stressing the need for collective responsibility.
Other sessions explored the connection between relationships and emotional wellbeing, along with career guidance and preparing students for future careers. With opportunities to learn, seek guidance and interact with others, MIND Expo 2026 is also creating space for meaningful conversations and new connections.
The expo’s broader focus is on promoting early intervention, prevention, mental health literacy and access to professional support, while encouraging people to seek help without stigma.
As the event continues until September 4, MIND Expo 2026 is positioning itself as more than an exhibition - a platform where people can listen, connect, seek support and collectively work towards a mentally healthier society.