Vision
A world where every individual with mental illness has their essential needs met, their rights upheld, and the opportunity to live with dignity.
Basic Needs India (BNI) believes that mental health is not just a medical issue but a fundamental human right. Recognizing the deep connection between mental illness and poverty, BNI works to create sustainable recovery by addressing both. Through inclusive, community-driven approaches, individuals with mental illness and their caregivers are empowered to participate in mutually enriching processes of care, learning, and growth. By fostering a compassionate and understanding society, BNI ensures that those affected receive the support they need to lead fulfilling lives.
Mission
To create and implement programs that actively engage individuals with mental illness and their caregivers, ensuring their basic needs are met and their rights are upheld.
Beyond direct support, Basic Needs India (BNI) works to strengthen mental health programs in partnership with other organizations, shaping public opinion and influencing policies to create a more inclusive and supportive society.
Rooted in the pioneering efforts of D.M. Naidu, who collaborated with Chris Underhill of Basic Needs UK, BNI began its journey in 2000. The organization was formally registered as a Trust in March 2001, laying the foundation for a community-driven approach to mental health and development in India.
Our Trustees
Ms.Vandana
Bedi
Chairperson, occupational therapist with M.Sc in pediatrics, 25 years at AADI, Vice-chair, and member of India’s Central Executive Committee (Disability).
Ms.Rama Krishnamachari
Trustee with 30 years in disability inclusion, founder of DEOC, policy expert, accessibility professional, and recipient of NCPEDP Helen Keller & Javed Abidi Awards.
Mr.Gururaghavendra CE
Treasurer, social work professional with 27 years in mental health, former NIMHANS social worker, ex-BNI Associate Director, and expert in partnerships, capacity building, and counseling.
Mr.Nicholas Guia Rebelo
Secretary, with 25 years at CBR Forum, managed a national CBR program, and guided Sri Lanka’s CBR initiatives toward a rights-based approach.
Our Team
Dr.Rajaram Subbian
Executive Director
Psychiatric social work specialist with over five decades of experience in trauma recovery, psychosocial care, family therapy, child protection, community mental health work,…He was a Senior Clinical Consultant in NIMHANS PSW Department for over two decades. Worked in conflict rift African and Asian countries like Afghanistan, Uganda, Srilanka & Nepal with International agencies like Unicef, Save the Children and Srilankan government for over one and a half decade. Mentor for Speak2Us.
Ms.Sujatha V
Programme Director
Soft skills professional and trainer connected to community from two and a half decades. Initial work in community based disability work, mainly focused on physical disability for nearly a decade. Engaged in short research work with Action Aid & Basic Needs, UK. Then moved on to community mental health, focusing on community based intervention, capacity building and research.
Mr.Rajib Kumar Karmi
State Programme Officer
Development professional with 10+ years in child rights and development work in Odisha, holding MRD and BEd.
Also a Journalist bringing out community issues & voices in the local news media.
Mr.Ajeya Mandayam
Admin & Finance Officer
Finance and accounting professional with experience in audits, technical support, Tally training, and community work since joining BNI in 2018.
Mr. Juvam Fernandes
Programme Co-ordinator
Community development professional with 23 years of experience as project lead in Integrated Women Development, Women Empowerment, Sujala Watershed, CBID, and Inclusive Education projects; expert in CBID training, CBR components, watershed management, women empowerment, and livelihood activities.
