As precursors to the Manotsava 2026 mental health festival, Bengaluru has launched specialized 'sharing circles' to discuss sensitive topics like adoption, caregiving, and family dynamics in safe spaces.

  • Specialized 'Sharing Circles' launched in Bengaluru as precursors to Manotsava 2026.
  • Topics include adoption, midlife reflections, family expectations, and caregiving support.
  • The initiative is co-hosted by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, NIMHANS, and NCBS.
  • The format focuses on 'lived experiences' combined with clinical expertise.

In a significant move toward community-led mental health support, Bengaluru has witnessed the launch of 'Sharing Circles' as part of the buildup to Manotsava 2026. These circles are designed to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where individuals can discuss deeply personal and often stigmatized life experiences.

The discussions within these circles delve into complex themes such as the nuances of adoption, managing heavy family expectations, navigating difficult family dynamics, and the emotional toll of caregiving. For participants like Rema, an adoptive parent, these sessions offer a rare opportunity to connect with others facing similar journeys, fostering a sense of belonging and shared understanding.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that there is a growing global shift from purely clinical mental health interventions toward community-based peer support models. By validating 'lived experiences' alongside neuroscience, Manotsava is addressing the isolation that many feel when navigating life's most challenging transitions.

"It is cathartic to speak with other people who share the same experiences, not with the intent of solving things, but because hearing it out sometimes lightens it." - Lakshmi Pattabi Raman, Facilitator.

The concept originated from the previous edition of Manotsava, where organizers noticed a massive demand for intimate, peer-led discourse. Natasha Joshi, Chief of Strategy at Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP), explained that while many proposals covered pertinent topics, they often lacked the intimate format required for true emotional connection. The decision to move from stage-based talks to small-group circles proved to be a transformative success.

The scale of demand has been overwhelming. During previous iterations, sharing circles frequently reached maximum capacity, sometimes turning away hundreds of interested participants. This overwhelming response has prompted the organizers to expand the window of engagement, starting these sessions months in advance to accommodate the public's need for connection.

Did You Know?: Peer support groups, like these sharing circles, are scientifically recognized to reduce the psychological impact of chronic stress and social isolation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Who are the organizers of Manotsava?
Answer: The festival is a collaborative effort co-hosted by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP), NIMHANS, and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS).

Question 2: What makes these sharing circles different from therapy?
Answer: Unlike traditional therapy, these circles focus on shared lived experiences and community connection in a peer-led format, rather than strictly clinical intervention.