New Delhi: What if mental health guidance felt as accessible as your favourite playlist?The Centre for Action Research and Development (CARD) aims to spark credible conversations and dispel misinfor-mation through expert-led dialogue. Its new digital-first podcast initiative connects listeners directly with psychologists and psychiatrists — who tackle conditions like ADHD, Alzheimer’s, anxiety disorders and depression — through a structured outreach.Offered in English, Hindi and Punjabi, the platform, ViveQ, blends podcasts and social media outreach, aiming to reach up to 10,000 people in its first year, engaging a broad demographic across age groups. It plans to expand into additional regional languages as it scales.The platform covers a wide spectrum of topics, including dyslexia, PTSD, OCD and autism. It also extends beyond clinical diagnoses to address emotional intelligence, cognitive fitness and everyday stress management, reinforcing the importance of preventive and holistic mental well-being.The name ViveQ draws inspiration from the concept of ‘quantum’, symbolising the evolving potential of the human mind. Through curated conversations, specialist insights and future research initiatives, it seeks to build a credible ecosystem for mental health awareness and cognitive development in India.According to experts, the strength of such an initiative lies in its ability to normalise conversations around mental health while grounding them in scientific evidence. By bringing qualified professionals into an accessible digital format, it helps reduce stigma, encourages early help-seeking behaviour, and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their emotional and cognitive well-being.Dr N S Kalsi, former additional chief secretary of Punjab and ex-chairperson of National Council for Vocational Education and Training, said, “Such initiatives are significant as they create a credible platform for meaningful dialogue, expert insights and shared experiences that can guide individuals towards more balanced and purposeful lives.”Sharing her perspective, Mamta Yadav, member, Haryana Public Service Commission, said, “Today, people, especially young individuals, are facing a lot of pressure in both personal and professional life. In such times, it is important to have platforms where they can openly learn, reflect, and find the right guidance.”ViveQ has collaborated with over 25 academic institutions across India and partnered with Laadli Foundation and DBG Technologies to strengthen outreach and digital engagement. It also aims to contribute to the academic ecosystem by publishing research papers in psychology and cognitive development.Dr Abhishek Garg, Member, CARD, said, “There is a growing need to separate credible psychological knowledge from the noise that often circulates on social media. With this initiative, we are building a responsible digital space where psychologists and psychiatrists can directly engage with people through conversations.”
