We’re building the world’s largest student-run NGO to destigmatize mental health, one SMILE at a time
By uniting student-run startups, universities and industry professionals, SMILE supports impactful ventures and offers free resources to students who require mental health support.
5K+
Active Members
20+
Events Organized
10+
Colleges Reached
10K+
Volunteer Hours
The stigma around mental health is an entrenched institutional problem, especially in conservative societies where silence is seen as strength.
We started SMILE after facing our own struggles, to build a student-led institution that empowers young leaders in college to champion mental health and break the stigma where it begins.
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STUDENTS
MOVE
THE
WORLD
FORWARD
Born from our own struggles, SMILE is building a generation of leaders to end mental health stigma. With 170,000 suicides annually in India—90% linked to mental health—the need is urgent. We give students the platform, community, and courage to drive change.
We believe deep-rooted stigma can only be dismantled by empowering students. In conservative societies, it is institutional—lasting change must start where independent thought begins: in colleges.
Our "3KS" model unites student leaders, mental health founders, and influential professionals in a symbiotic network. Students gain mentorship and resources, founders receive guidance and feedback, and professionals amplify impact to create lasting cultural change.
The 3KS Framework
SMILE’s Methodology
A symbiotic network of students, founders, and professional mentors driving cultural change in mental health support
Professional mentors amplify impact, open doors to wider networks, and help drive lasting cultural change.
Founders gain mentorship, valuable customer feedback, and connections to refine and scale their solutions.
Students gain affordable resources, and the support they need to lead change in their communities.
Join SMILE
Empower change
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Browse our activities
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and professional mentors driving cultural
change in mental health support
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Leading from the front: Join SMILE
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Meet Our Mentors
Leading professionals back our network and share our vision to destigmatize mental health.
MR. SHARAD AGGARWAL
Global Head - Strategy, Partnerships & AI Solutions at Google Cloud
“I believe real impact stems from aligning strategy with empathy. SMILE’s mission to nurture youth mental wellness and leadership resonates deeply with my values.”
ADV. DR KRISS VENUGOPAL
Clinical hypnotherapist, Legal Scholar and Voics Coach
“As someone working at the intersection of law, therapy and education, I believe real change begins by empowering students with the right tools and support.”
Sh. MANISH K AGARWAL
Special Commissioner- Delhi Police
“In my 30 years as a Police Officer, I've seen how stress and mental health challenges impact performance, resillience and well being. ”
Join SMILE
Empower change
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IIT BOMBAY
DTU
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BITS PILANI
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UCLA
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Yale University
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Stanford University
IIT BOMBAY
DTU
BITS PILANI
UCLA
Yale University
Stanford University
Our Journey
Founder Stories
A symbiotic network of students, founders, and professional mentors driving cultural change in mental health support
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Co-Founder
NAVIN VENKAT
“I only grasped the importance of mental health in my third year of college. I wanted to make sure that no-one went through the struggles I did.”
Co-Founder
MANAV KANOI
““Building community is at the heart of everything. I believe in shared strength and supporting each other through challenges.”
Co-Founder
RITIEN MOHAN
“Mental health awareness changed my life. I am passionate about spreading hope and knowledge across campuses.”
Building
Global Networks
Our Global Presence
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Insights from SMILE
A symbiotic network of students, founders, and professional mentors driving cultural change in mental health support
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Professional mentors amplify impact, open doors to wider networks, and help drive lasting cultural change. Professional mentors amplify impact, open doors to wider networks.
Founders gain mentorship, valuable customer feedback, and connections to refine and scale their solutions. Professional mentors amplify impact, open doors to wider networks.
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Students gain affordable resources, and the support they need to lead change in their communities. Professional mentors amplify impact, open doors to wider networks.
FAQs
All about SMILE
What is the 3KS Framework?
How can I open a student chapter?
What are the benefits of joining the SMILE Network?
How can I join the network as a Founder?