In an exclusive interaction with Shiva Y, Deputy Editor of Entrepreneur News Network, Manun Thakur, the visionary CEO of Veda Rehabilitation and Wellness, shares his inspiring journey of building one of India’s most innovative mental health platforms. From his personal experiences to Veda’s groundbreaking solutions, Manun opens up about his mission to revolutionize mental health care and make it accessible, affordable, and stigma-free. Established in 2020, Veda integrates cutting-edge psycho-pharmacology, dialectical behavior therapy, yoga, mindfulness, and more to offer holistic solutions. With a clientele spanning industry leaders, PSUs, and celebrities, and a projected revenue of ₹18 crore for FY 2025-26, Veda is setting a new standard for mental health care and corporate wellness.
Q1. Can you share the inspiration behind starting Veda Rehabilitation and Wellness?
The inspiration behind Veda Rehabilitation and Wellness comes from a deeply personal experience. In 2020, I was diagnosed with adult ADHD and borderline depression, which forced me to confront the gaps in India’s mental health care system. During my journey, I noticed two stark realities: those who could afford private care often faced exorbitant costs, while those relying on public health facilities faced long queues and inadequate resources. This inequity sparked the vision for Veda—a platform where mental health care is accessible, inclusive, and empathetic. It wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about creating a movement to normalize mental health discussions and address the unmet needs of millions.
Q2. How does Veda address the affordability and accessibility challenges in mental health care?
At Veda, affordability and accessibility are at the heart of everything we do. The Let’s Get Happi app offers therapy sessions starting at ₹500, ensuring affordability for users from diverse financial backgrounds. The app also provides free resources like journaling, meditation tools, and an SOS feature that connects users to therapists during emergencies. For those requiring intensive care, we offer luxury rehabilitation centers with personalized treatment plans. While these centers cater to premium clients, we are actively working to scale down this model to make high-quality care available to middle-income groups through shared facilities. Our dual-pronged approach ensures we serve a broad spectrum of mental health needs.
Q3. What innovative solutions has Veda introduced in mental health care?
Innovation drives Veda’s mission. Our Let’s Get Happi app integrates AI to provide tailored mental health recommendations, analyze user trends, and offer actionable insights. We also developed advanced AI tools like VibeCheck, which helps organizations monitor employee well-being while maintaining anonymity. Additionally, we’ve introduced specific programs such as Sober Life, a module for de-addiction, and Mom Assist, tailored support for postpartum depression. By combining technology with a deep understanding of psychology, we’ve created solutions that are both practical and transformative.
Q4. Mental health stigma is a major challenge in India. How does Veda address it?
Breaking mental health stigma is central to our mission. We conduct workshops in schools, colleges, and workplaces to initiate open conversations about mental health. On social media, our campaigns emphasize positivity and growth rather than focusing solely on mental illness. For example, we’ve introduced wellness tools like meditation tracks inspired by popular music genres, making mental health care relatable and “cool.” By focusing on education, engagement, and relatable messaging, we aim to create a cultural shift where seeking help becomes a norm rather than an exception.
Q5. How do you ensure the quality of care as Veda scales its operations?
Scaling with quality is our top priority. We have implemented SOPs for every aspect of our services, from therapist training to client care. Our team undergoes advanced training in modern therapeutic techniques, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), ensuring they remain at the cutting edge of mental health care. Furthermore, each center is designed to provide a warm and empathetic environment, regardless of location. As we expand to 30 cities, we remain committed to maintaining the same level of care and compassion that defines Veda.\
Q6. What role does technology play in Veda’s offerings?
Technology is a cornerstone of Veda’s offerings. Our Let’s Get Happi app leverages AI to deliver personalized mental health solutions and ensure 24/7 therapist availability. Tools like VibeCheck allow companies to monitor workforce well-being without compromising privacy, while predictive analytics help us refine treatment plans based on user behavior. By integrating technology into every facet of our services, we make mental health care more efficient, scalable, and accessible.
Q7. How does Veda balance premium and affordable care?
Our dual model balances premium and affordable care seamlessly. On one hand, our luxury centers provide world-class personalized treatment for high-income clients. On the other hand, our app-based solutions and affordable facilities cater to middle and lower-income groups. Our long-term vision is to create larger, shared treatment centers priced affordably while maintaining the same high standards of care. This approach allows us to serve diverse needs without compromising on quality.
Q8. What’s your vision for Veda’s future?
My vision is to make Veda India’s first unicorn in the mental health sector—not just in terms of valuation but in impact. We aim to expand to 30 cities across India while exploring global markets like Southeast Asia and Africa. Our focus remains on creating cutting-edge solutions that address evolving mental health challenges. Whether it’s through innovation, empathy, or scalability, our goal is to transform how the world views and accesses mental health care.
Q9. Finally, what advice would you give to those struggling with mental health issues?
To anyone struggling with mental health, my advice is simple: take the first step. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend, talking to a therapist, or downloading an app like Let’s Get Happi, starting the conversation is the hardest but most crucial step. Incorporate small habits into your daily life, like practicing gratitude, journaling, and meditation. Remember, mental health is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Seek help, and know that there’s a community ready to support you.
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