India, May 16 -- The passing of renowned psychiatrist, author and mental health activist Dr Anand Nadkarni on Friday has left Maharashtra's medical, literary and social sectors in mourning. Dr Nadkarni, founder of the Institute for Psychological Health (IPH) in Thane and founder trustee of Pune's Muktangan De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre, was widely regarded as one of the leading voices who brought mental health discussions into mainstream society with compassion and sensitivity.

The Thane-based activist, who was suffering from a prolonged illness, died at around 5 am at a private hospital in Mumbai. He is survived by his wife and son.

Born in Jalgaon in 1958, Dr Nadkarni completed his MD in psychiatry in 1984. He began private p...