ANTARA is a Non-Governmental, Non-Profit, Secular, Voluntary and Apolitical Organization. For the past 49 years, it is engaged in extending treatment, care and rehabilitation to persons afflicted with mental illness, addiction and alcohol dependence. While Antara caters to people belonging to all strata of society, special emphasis is given on extending services to needy persons, especially the destitute, wandering, homeless, neglected and vulnerable persons. Antara was born in response to the inspiration from Mother Teresa of Kolkata.

Antara treated over 40,000 patients through various facilities in 2019. Along with Out-Patient, In-Patient and Community- based mental health services, Antara offers Community Awareness Generation Activities, School Mental Health Programs, Detection & Referral Camps, Orientation & Training Programs and Outreach Programs to bring about changes in the way people understand and react to mental health and mental illness. ANTARA has been extending mental health care services for the past 49 years and currently, they are taking care of about 250 mentally ill persons at our Hospital & Home at ANTARAGRAM.

“Bridging the Futures” is a magnificent student-led initiative led by Ms. Adya Sarda and Ms. Vartika Jain from Kolkata. They are supporting us in our mission of “Mental Health and Wellness for All”. They have a terrific record of engaging the youth of Kolkata in social work and raising funds.

Covid-19 has had a deep impact on the lives of most people worldwide due to increased tension and stress due to job losses, fear of contagion and the economic situation leading to a spurt in suicides, depression and marital discord. Especially those who belong to the vulnerable sections of society are more prone to be affected. These people do not have access to basic ration and other essentials like masks and sanitizers.

Imagine this situation and couple it with mental health issues! There are hundreds of individuals suffering from mental health issues, addiction and dependence whose rehabilitation and treatment at this vital juncture are of paramount importance. The situation has taken a turn for the worse.
One cannot even imagine the long term impact this pandemic will have if these mental health patients from less privileged backgrounds are not given adequate care. They are dealing with a lot of mental and emotional stress and the pandemic situation is adding to their anxiety. If a mentally ill person gets the virus, the impact will be horrific as it will be difficult to transfer them to quarantine centres where they will not get the care they need.
Antara is doing all that is possible to treat its patients during such times. We are finding it difficult in providing adequate support to these people, especially those who live in villages due to the recent double setbacks of the epidemic and the recent cyclone. A person under our care named Rakesh, walked all the way from Canning to Baruipur a distance of approximately 35 kms to collect his medicines.

The ongoing lockdown and quarantine has not only restricted Antara’s access to our outreach centres but also put a strain on our finances. To make things worse, Wind speeds of over 140 Kmph were recorded near Antara’s Hospital due to Cyclone Amphan causing extensive damage estimated to be over Rs 30 Lakhs (Agricultural + Infrastructural Damage) in our main campus.
This is where we need your help. We appeal to you to open your heartstrings and donate liberally to this cause and become partners with us in this noble endeavour With your generous donations we will be able to -

1 - Buy regular ration for 250 patients for the next 6 months
2 - Buy N-95 masks for patients and PPE kits and masks for the staff.
3 - Do essential damage repair to the campus so that normal activities there can restart
4 - Buying medicines for poor patients who can’t afford to buy their own.

We and our patients will be very grateful for your kind assistance.

Animesh Mitra, our Beneficiary :
"I was admitted to Antara after I attempted to commit suicide in May 2019. I was kept here for 4 months and my Doctor and Counselor joined forces to get me well. They brought back myself worth and gave me the confidence to stand on my own feet. I have realized that life is worth living, thanks to Antara and I am immensely grateful to them for all their support."