AkshHar

Because growing up is complicated enough, we're building AkshHar.

We believe the scientific evidence on how people learn, develop and thrive should shape how we approach mental health and education, especially for the people most often left out.

Tap an element to see what it means.

The name together

AkshHar brings together two words from Hindi: Akshar, meaning letter, the building block of language and learning, and Har, meaning every, because every child, from every background, deserves to be seen and supported.

AkshHar is a social-impact initiative that uses scientific research to bring evidence into mental health and education, with a special focus on underserved communities. We explore the cognitive, psychological and environmental factors that shape young people's development, wellbeing and learning.

Our long-term vision is to turn these insights into practical approaches that support holistic development.

Currently in development. Still building.

Why it matters

Mental disorders disproportionately affect adolescents aged 15–19 and women. It's time we ask why.

Concentric rings: people, spaces, systems systems spaces people

One part of the answer lies in the understanding that development doesn't happen in isolation, it is scaffolded by our environments.

  • The spaces

    The spaces we grow up in shape how we connect with others. Urbanisation is changing our shared spaces and opportunities for community life. Digital connection doesn’t always translate into belonging.

  • The people

    The people around us shape whether we feel we belong.

  • The systems

    The systems we grow through shape what we learn to value, what we strive for, and what we sacrifice along the way. Statistics show education access has increased but it tells nothing about the competition and pressure to get that access.

These factors affect everyone differently and shape their experiences through which their brains and minds develop.

The proposed model

AkshHar's proposed model brings together three interconnected dimensions. They aren't steps, but three forces working together.

Young person

Tap a circle to read about it. The young person graphic sits at the centre of all three.

Together, these dimensions recognise the different factors affecting cognition, personality and mental health. Our approach is focused on holistic development so that the children not only grow as students, but as individuals.

So why are we building AkshHar?

Because somewhere in a classroom, a child is sitting quietly in a corner, quietly struggling with mental health and no one understands ‘why’.

Globally, an estimated one in seven young people aged 10–19 struggles with their mental health, and these conditions remain largely invisible.

That's why we're building AkshHar.

  • How We Develop Coming soon
  • Explore the Science Coming soon
  • Connect Coming soon