About the Chairperson

Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), is a distinguished global leader, an unwavering advocate for mental health, and a trailblazer in the realm of inclusive education. Fuelled by a profound sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to the "spirit of service," she is transforming lives across South Asia, crafting a lasting and impactful social change that echoes on a global scale.

As the founder of Mpower, Mrs. Birla has redefined mental health in India. Reaching over 180 million people, Mpower has become South Asia's largest and most influential private entity focused on mental health literacy, capacity building, and community outreach. Under her dynamic direction, Mpower has transcended its origins as a mental health awareness initiative to become a holistic ecosystem offering clinical care, outreach, and specialized training across educational institutions, corporate sectors, civil society, and government bodies. Mrs. Birla's relentless dedication has elevated mental health from the fringes to the forefront, establishing it as a fundamental human right.

Driven by her deep commitment to education, Mrs. Birla established the Aditya Birla World Academy and the Aditya Birla Integrated School, both of which have set new benchmarks for distinction and diversity. Building on this foundation, she founded the Aditya Birla Education Academy, furthering her vision to promote inclusivity and excellence in teaching and learning. Through the Academy, she has empowered over six lakh educators across India and Asia, providing them with the tools and skills to enhance educational outcomes. Her commitment to inclusive education also finds expression in The Aditya Birla Integrated School and Nalanda, both of which support children with learning difficulties through personalised, supportive learning environments.

Mrs. Neerja Birla’s global leadership extends far beyond her initiatives. She holds the position of trustee on the Board of the Healthy Brains Global Initiative (UK) and is a member of the Indian Advisory Council for the British Asian Trust and is a member of the advisory panel for AI Samarth. Additionally, she is actively involved in the Asia Gender Network of AVPN and the Future Mental Health Collective (UK). In these capacities, she is spearheading global strategies to enhance brain health and mental well-being, with a particular focus on South Asia.