22/10/2026
āWhen facing an issue, we need counseling.
When facing a widespread problem, a campaign.
And in the midst of a mental health epidemic, we need a movement.ā
ā Dr. Harish Shetty
To mark 20 years of SAATA and honor the enduring legacy of our visionary co-founder and first President, P.K. Saru, the South Asian Association of Transactional Analysts gathered in Mumbai for the 4th P.K. Saru Memorial Endowment Lecture.
Addressing the theme āCivilisational Awakening: The Radical Shift Shaping Mental Health,ā Dr. Shetty brought a rare blend of sharp wit, deep cultural grounding, and radical empathy. He challenged us to rethink where healing truly happens.
Key takeaways that resonated deeply across the room:
1) Step out of the clinic: Psychotherapy cannot remain confined to comfortable consulting rooms. Mental health work belongs on the streets, in classrooms, and inside homes where life actually happens.
2) Anchor in our roots: From ancient Indian wisdom and mindfulness to unsung historical pioneers, our collective heritage holds profound answers to modern psychological fractures.
3) Turn personal pain into social purpose: Trauma is heavy, but when channeled into community actionāechoing everyday heroes who transform suffering into serviceāit becomes a catalyst for collective healing.
4) Community over isolation: Hyper-individualism feeds alienation. Healing is relational. Shared rhythm, connection, and collective presence build resilience far beyond isolated self-help.
On behalf of the entire SAATA community, our deepest gratitude to Dr. Harish Shetty for your generosity of presence, provocative questions, and the warmth and humor you brought to our stage.
