Open Your Soul To Us

What is an “Open Your Soul To Us” Event?

The event, organized by Karttavyaa , aims to break the silence surrounding mental health issues and provide a platform for people to share their struggles. It involves individuals walking on the streets while holding placards that reads, “Everyone has a story, and I am here to listen to you.”

As participants embark on this unique endeavor, they become living symbols of compassion and empathy. By labeling themselves as strangers, they challenge societal norms and encourage passersby to open up about their mental health concerns

The visual impact of seeing people holding these placards on the streets has been striking. It grabs the attention of onlookers, arousing curiosity and intrigue. Many passersby get surprised, but also intrigued, by the notion of a stranger willing to lend an empathetic ear.

The event seeks to create a safe space where anyone, regardless of their background or experiences, can share their thoughts, feelings, and struggles without fear of judgment. The participants, acting as active listeners, demonstrate their willingness to genuinely hear and understand the stories of others.

People walking by can approach these “strangers” if they feel compelled to talk or share their thoughts. The event aims to de-stigmatize mental health issues and promote a sense of community support by fostering authentic connections between strangers.

Through this event, Karttavyaa aims to emphasize the importance of active listening, empathy. By providing a listening ear, the participants/volunteers play a vital role in validating the experiences of others and reminding individuals that they are not alone in their struggles.

Overall, the event creates an opportunity for meaningful human connection and challenges societal norms by fostering open conversations about mental health. By initiating such a unique and unconventional approach after getting inspired by some random Instagram posts, Karttavyaa aims to inspire empathy, understanding, and solidarity among strangers, and ultimately, contribute to the larger cause of mental health awareness and support.

Inaugural Event

Our first event happened at Victoria Memorial, Kolkata. Our inaugural event might have been a bit messy and we had our own set of challenges, but we are proud to have taken the first step towards mental health awareness.

As with any new endeavor, challenges and unforeseen obstacles arose, resulting in a few bumps along the way. However, we wholeheartedly embraced these learning opportunities, recognizing that they would shape our growth and future endeavors.

Through few engaging conversations and spreading awareness, we had the opportunity to connect with people during our event. The volunteers themselves experienced personal growth and learning on the first day, which paved the way for successful subsequent events.

Building on this foundation, we were able to create impactful and transformative experiences for both the participants and the community as a whole.