India, April 6 -- When we speak of national infrastructure, we usually think of highways, power grids, digital connectivity and industrial corridors. Rarely do we place mental health in the same category. Yet no economy can grow sustainably if its people are exhausted, anxious, burned out, or unable to access timely psychological support. Mental health is not only a health care issue - it is a foundational pillar of economic productivity, workforce stability and social resilience. For India's journey toward a Viksit Bharat, strengthening mental health systems must therefore be recognised as a national economic priority.

India has the largest youth population in the world, with over 350 million people aged 10-24, presenting a major demogr...