Lalit Yadav

I am currently working as a Scientist at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), Delhi, where my focus is on youth mental health and suicide risk reduction. My work involves developing participatory models for suicide prevention and creating safe, supportive environments for young people through school- and college-based interventions. 

My academic journey began at Sainik School Kunjpura, an elite institute under the Ministry of Defence, which instilled in me values of resilience, discipline, and leadership. I then pursued a B.A. (Hons.) in Humanities and Social Sciences, a pioneering multidisciplinary program under the Meta College concept, well before the NEP 2020 framework. This program allowed me to explore journalism, history, political science, and geography, while also engaging in immersive community-based project work focused on the preservation of India’s tangible and intangible heritage. I went on to complete my M.S.W. at the Delhi School of Social Work, where I worked on advocacy for gig workers, street vendors, and the urban poor, raising policy-level questions to the government. During my field placement with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), I engaged deeply with children’s needs and rights, an experience that cemented my commitment to social justice.

After my MSW, I became the youngest Vice Principal (Administration) at a reputed school in Hyderabad. In this role, I oversaw both teaching and non-teaching verticals, introduced experiential learning initiatives, launched Youth Champion and Mentorship Programs, and even organized a TEDx conference. Leading the Innovation and Best Practices Cell, I helped design and implement transformative educational practices, reflecting my belief that education should nurture not just intellect, but empathy and courage.

At IHBAS, under the ICMR Suicide Risk Reduction Project, I continue to connect research with lived realities, examining how cultural stigma and systemic barriers affect youth help-seeking in India.

Through CHaI, I hope to share insights from my fieldwork while also learning from global and interdisciplinary perspectives. My interest lies in co-creating culturally sensitive and scalable models of youth mental health. Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, playing badminton, and reading (my pseudo time-passing interest). I also have a deep love for nature and greenery, something I believe is best expressed when we meet in person.

Email: kunjeyanlalit@gmail.com

Affiliation:  Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), Delhi, India