Mumbai Parents Channel Grief into Mental Health Crusade After Son's Tragic Death
In the heart of a non-profit office in Andheri, Mumbai, a portrait of a smiling young man named Anant Dwivedi hangs prominently. Beside it, his life philosophy is inscribed: "Maze karo (have fun) today, tomorrow and always." For 22-year-old Anant, these words were a guiding principle, but his life was tragically cut short. Now, his parents, Meera and Manoj Dwivedi, have transformed their profound sorrow into a powerful mission to prevent other young people from facing mental health struggles alone.
A Bright Future Interrupted by Overwhelming Distress
Anant Dwivedi's story is one of promise abruptly halted. After earning an engineering degree in Berlin, he returned to India in March 2025 for a mandatory internship. Scheduled to fly back to Germany on June 30, 2025, his plans unraveled at Mumbai airport due to a documentation issue. He was denied boarding because he lacked a physical copy of his German residence permit. Overwhelmed with distress, Anant messaged his family claiming he was on the flight, but instead went to a cafe in Juhu and later to a high-rise in Goregaon East, where he took his own life.
"Anant hasn't gone away... the meaning of Anant is eternal. We see Anant in every youngster that needs help and support," Manoj Dwivedi told TOI, encapsulating the foundation's core belief.
Building a Legacy of Support and Awareness
In December 2025, the Dwivedis established the Anant Dwivedi Foundation with a clear goal: to initiate conversations about mental health before crises develop. Collaborating with youth advocacy groups, they assembled a team of counselors to bring mental health awareness directly to schools and colleges across Mumbai.
"After interactions with students, we hand out cards so they can reach out to us confidentially, if they wish to," explained Meera Dwivedi. The issues addressed are diverse, ranging from academic pressure and social anxieties to more severe cases. For instance, the team assisted a student bullied for helping his father at a hair salon, helping him recognize the value of his skills and restoring his pride. They also intervened in a situation where a young girl faced forced early marriage by her family.
Holistic Development and Community Outreach
Beyond counseling, the foundation emphasizes holistic development for marginalized children. Key initiatives include:
- Instituting scholarships in 25 schools to support the education and overall needs of economically disadvantaged students.
- Observing 'Anant Day' on the 14th of every month—Anant's birth date—by hosting sports tournaments and distributing meals and essential supplies at local orphanages.
- Finalizing a dedicated mental health helpline staffed by trained volunteers to provide immediate support.
For Meera and Manoj, every young life saved or crisis averted serves as a heartfelt tribute to their son. Their work underscores the importance of proactive mental health care and community solidarity in fostering resilience among India's youth.
