India now has a first-of-its-kind healthcare-music collaboration. Adayu, a Fortis Healthcare facility, has joined hands with sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma’s platform, Sitar for Mental Health. Together, they aim to bring music into clinical mental healthcare settings. This marks the first time a leading Indian hospital chain has introduced a music-centred well-being program into a clinical care environment — blending evidence-based psychiatry with the healing power of sound.
A New Approach to Mental Healthcare
Mental health care in India faces a persistent challenge — stigma. Millions suffer in silence because they fear judgment. This collaboration directly addresses that barrier. By combining clinical expertise with the emotional resonance of music, Adayu and Rishab hope to shift public attitudes toward mental health.
Moreover, the partnership actively fosters open dialogue. It encourages communities to view mental health with empathy and genuine acceptance. Music, as a universal language, helps people feel seen and heard. This powerful philosophy drives the initiative at every level.
Why Music Matters in Clinical Settings
Research consistently shows that music supports emotional healing. It reduces anxiety, lifts mood, and builds a sense of human connection. Furthermore, music-based interventions complement traditional psychiatric treatments effectively. As a result, patients at Adayu’s centre will now access music composed by Rishab Rikhiram Sharma. A dedicated room at the facility will allow patients to experience these therapeutic benefits firsthand.
What the Partnership Involves
The collaboration includes several meaningful components. First, Adayu will integrate Rishab’s music directly into its clinical environment. Second, a dedicated listening space will offer patients a calm and immersive experience. Third, a nationwide school outreach program will launch across India starting April 2026.
This school program specifically targets young people. It helps students understand emotional balance, resilience, and how creativity supports preventive mental health. Introducing these ideas early can build a generation far more open to seeking support without shame.
School Outreach and Digital Campaigns
Beyond the clinical setting, the partnership also reaches communities online. Digital awareness campaigns will run throughout the year. Additionally, community-led engagements will normalise conversations around mental health. Consequently, this initiative extends far beyond hospital walls — it aims to create a cultural shift in how India collectively talks about emotional well-being.
Voices Behind the Collaboration
Dr. Samir Parikh, Chairperson of the Mental Health Programme at Fortis Healthcare and Adayu, spoke candidly about the initiative. He highlighted that despite growing awareness, stigma still silences millions. He further noted that when a next-generation icon like Rishab champions mental health publicly, it sparks crucial conversations and encourages communities to seek help without fear or judgment.
Similarly, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma shared the personal motivation behind Sitar for Mental Health. He explained that music has always been emotional and spiritual for him, yet over time he realised it could serve as a powerful tool for healing. Through this collaboration with Dr. Parikh and Adayu, he hopes to create spaces where people can pause, reflect, and feel genuinely supported. He added that if music helps even one person feel understood or motivated to seek help, it has already fulfilled a purpose far beyond performance.
Setting a New Benchmark in Healthcare
This initiative sets a powerful precedent for the Indian healthcare sector. It demonstrates that clinical care and creative arts can work together in a meaningful, structured way. Furthermore, it underscores the growing global recognition of music as a catalyst for emotional healing and preventive care.
By combining Adayu’s clinical depth with Rishab’s international advocacy, the partnership positions India as a leader in integrative mental health. This model could inspire similar collaborations across hospitals and wellness centres nationwide.
About Sitar for Mental Health
Sitar for Mental Health is a multi-sensory, immersive advocacy platform. It blends Indian classical music with mindfulness, breathing exercises, guided reflection, and open conversations about emotional well-being. Initially, it began as intimate live sessions on social media during the pandemic. Today, however, it has grown into a global movement — touring countries including India, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, South America, and the Middle East. Tens of thousands attend live concerts, and hundreds of millions have engaged with its content online.
About Adayu by Fortis Healthcare
Adayu is Fortis Healthcare’s first dedicated inpatient mental health facility and the first in a planned series of mental healthcare centres across India. The facility delivers comprehensive, holistic care through a multidisciplinary team. This team includes psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, counsellors, arts-based therapists, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and yoga practitioners. Advanced clinical care, cutting-edge technology, and evidence-based therapeutic programs are all available under one roof — making Adayu a truly integrated mental health destination.
