SOHAMINDIA, Dr. Daman Ahuja, Public Health and Community Engagement Expert
Dr. Daman Ahuja, Public Health and Community Engagement Expert, shares how SOHAMINDIA integrates traditional wisdom and modern solutions to tackle public health challenges and empower communities.
SOHAMINDIA is a testament to how public health can be redefined through mindful development and grassroots empowerment. Spearheaded by Dr. Daman Ahuja, a renowned public health expert with over 30 years of experience, the organization blends traditional philosophies with innovative public health solutions.
From combating child labor to addressing mental health issues in adolescents, Dr. Ahuja’s journey reflects a commitment to sustainable, community-led initiatives. His work spans collaborations with iconic activists like Swami Agnivesh and Kailash Satyarthi, tackling pressing issues such as HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and child rights. In this interview, he sheds light on the evolution of public health in India and shares his vision for the future.
1. Reflecting on your extensive experience, could you share the foundational moments that led you to champion public health and community engagement, particularly in challenging sectors like HIV/AIDS and reproductive health? How did these early experiences shape your approach to health services and grassroots activism?
My foundational journey began with the realization of health inequities while working on child labor issues. As a researcher at VV Giri National Labour Institute and through my association with Swami Agnivesh, I witnessed how health challenges were deeply intertwined with social justice.
The turning point came when I founded Naya Prayas and saw how sustainable change requires both policy intervention and grassroots mobilization. The HIV/AIDS epidemic in the late 1990s presented a critical challenge—breaking down stigma while building community trust. Leading the Red Ribbon Express project at NACO taught me that effective health interventions must start with community dialogue.
Whether working on the accountability of health services through the Population Foundation of India or strengthening the ASHA program as State ASHA Manager in Haryana, I learned that sustainable public health solutions emerge when we empower communities to become active participants rather than passive recipients. These experiences shaped my belief that community engagement isn’t just a strategy—it’s the cornerstone of any successful public health initiative.
2. You’ve collaborated with influential activists like Swami Agnivesh and Kailash Satyarthi on initiatives addressing bonded and child labor. What were the most significant challenges in these projects, and how did your approach in public health translate to tackling labor and child rights issues?
My collaboration with Swami Agnivesh and other activists illuminated the complex intersection between child labor and public health. Through my PhD research, I explored psychological injuries in child laborers, uncovering a critical but often overlooked dimension—the profound mental health impact on children forced into labor.
At VV Giri National Labour Institute, we found that children in hazardous work environments often faced both immediate physical injuries and long-term developmental challenges. This research became the backbone of SOHAMINDIA’s trauma-informed intervention strategies, addressing both immediate needs and long-term psychological recovery.
Our approach integrated mental health support and policy advocacy, highlighting that child labor is not just an economic issue but a public health emergency requiring urgent attention. These findings supported our policy advocacy efforts, helping stakeholders recognize the far-reaching impacts of child labor.
3. With over 30 years in the field, how do you view the evolution of community health initiatives in India? Are there specific shifts in public health accountability or community involvement that stand out as particularly impactful?
Over these three decades, I’ve witnessed a transformative shift in India’s community health landscape. As a member of the Secretariat of the Advisory Group on Community Action (AGCA), I had the privilege of observing and influencing this evolution across 17 states. The most significant change has been the transition from top-down healthcare delivery to community-owned initiatives.
The institutionalization of community monitoring through these forums has been particularly impactful. I’ve trained over 3,000 medical professionals and community leaders in participatory approaches, witnessing firsthand how this strengthens health service delivery and accountability. Programs like the ASHA initiative demonstrate the power of this approach, transforming communities into active stakeholders in health governance.
4. In working closely with adolescents and addressing mental health issues, what are the main challenges young people face today? How can community health initiatives better support adolescents in navigating their mental and emotional health?
Today’s adolescents face unprecedented challenges at the intersection of digital pressures, academic stress, and societal expectations. Through SOHAMINDIA’s mindfulness-based approach, we blend traditional wisdom with modern psychology to address these issues effectively.
5. Looking ahead, what areas in community health and public accountability do you feel need the most attention, and what strategies could best address these gaps?
We must enhance public health accountability through forums like VHSNCs, JAS, and RKS while ensuring technology complements—not replaces—personal interactions in healthcare delivery.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of community resilience. Moving forward, SOHAMINDIA will continue blending ancient wisdom with modern healthcare practices to build sustainable health systems that address emerging challenges like mental health and non-communicable diseases.
Conclusion:
Dr. Daman Ahuja’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to empowering communities through sustainable health interventions. His leadership at SOHAMINDIA and collaborations with institutions like NACO and the Population Foundation of India have transformed public health systems across India.
By blending traditional wisdom with modern strategies, Dr. Ahuja has redefined public health as a collaborative and inclusive effort. His insights offer a roadmap for creating resilient health systems and empowering communities to take charge of their health journeys.
This interview, proudly presented by Prittle Prattle News, highlights the importance of sustainability in every aspect of life. Led by Smruti Bhalerao, the platform is committed to driving impactful conversations and inspiring change. Follow Us:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn
