A Message from Sunitha Ramachandran, Director of Ankahee Helpline

Welcome to Ankahee Helpline. I’m Sunitha Ramachandran, and my commitment to suicide prevention is rooted in personal loss and a deep desire to help others. The shocking loss of a schoolmate in his twenties ignited my passion for this cause. It made me wonder: could a conversation or an act of kindness have changed his story?

Having experienced the pain of losing my father at a young age, I resonate deeply with the anguish that families endure in such moments of crisis. This understanding led me to become a trained listening volunteer with a crisis helpline in Delhi, eventually expanding my efforts to Chennai, Mumbai, and Singapore.

During my seven years at Samaritans Mumbai, I had the privilege of being mentored by the remarkable Manohar Rangnekar. His unwavering dedication and vision inspired me to blend my management background with my volunteer experience. Together, we dreamed of establishing a 24/7 helpline to reach those in need—as aspiration we hope to turn to reality with the launch of Ankahee Helpline on September 10, 2024.

At Ankahee, our mission is simple yet profound: to provide compassionate support to those in distress. Our dedicated volunteers worked collaboratively to create a helpline built on empathy, respect, and acceptance, knowing that each conversation can be a beacon of hope.

With over 12 years of experience supporting individuals facing despair, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of warmth and understanding. I hold diplomas in counseling and have trained with multiple crisis helplines, continually striving to create an environment where hope can thrive.

Every life is precious, and every conversation holds the potential to change a life. Together, let’s ensure that no one has to navigate their darkest moments alone. Thank you for joining us on this important journey.

A Message from Sachin Chitambaran, Director of Ankahee Helpline

I completed my Masters in Hospitality Management from the University of West London, but my journey took a deeper turn. As a student in London, far from the tight-knit support of my Indian roots, I often felt a yearning—not just to speak, but to truly be heard. This longing led me to volunteer with Samaritans UK, where I listened to those suffering in silence, allowing them to share their innermost pain without judgment. That experience left a profound mark on me.

Returning to India, I worked a corporate job, but the impact of my time with Samaritans UK never left me. I realized that for many, being heard is a privilege, and I continued volunteering with Samaritans India from 2014. Inspired by Late Manohar Rangneka's, the then assistant director of the organization, my passion for mental health advocacy deepened.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the urgent need for mental health support became undeniable. In July 2020, I made the decision to leave my corporate career and dedicate myself fully to this cause. By January 2021, I founded The Connect Hut, an organization offering counseling, training, mental wellness classes and workshops, meditation workshop and support groups for people of all ages facing mental health challenges.

Today, I serve as the president of Befrienders India, a network focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness. I am also a certified cognitive hypnotic coach, communication skills trainer, and QPR suicide gatekeeping instructor, committed to ensuring no one suffers in silence.

My years of experience makes Ankahee more than just a helpline—it’s a lifeline, a place where the unsaid can finally be spoken.