Arjun is a lawyer and psychologist by qualification. After graduating from NALSAR, Hyderabad, he was appointed as law clerk to the Supreme Court of India. Subsequently, his work focused on developing socio-legal interventions on access to justice with marginalised communities in Gujarat. Arjun has a M.A. in Psychology (Psycho-Social Clinical Studies) from Ambedkar University, Delhi with a specialisation in interdisciplinary approaches to psychology. At the Centre, he co-leads various projects on law, policy, and service reform for mental health and suicide prevention. He works with a range of stakeholders for implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 and the National Mental Health Policy, 2014. He co-leads the India Mental Health Observatory, Outlive – a suicide prevention programme which addresses urban youth suicides and ENGAGE – an adolescent suicide prevention programme based in Chhattisgarh, India. He is deeply invested in exploring the intersections of the human psyche, culture and social justice. To note: Arjun is a lover of chai, mutton curry, and all things sweet. 

Professional interests: mental health systems; suicide prevention; law & policy reform; human-centred design; social justice