By Sapna 
Puneet Manuja is the co-founder of YourDOST, India’s largest emotional wellness platform, dedicated to making mental health care accessible and affordable. Launched in 2015 alongside co-founder Richa Singh, YourDOST addresses the rising mental health concerns among corporate employees and the general public. The platform offers counseling, support, and self-improvement tools, impacting over two million lives across India
Background and Motivation
Puneet’s journey into the mental health space stems from personal experiences. A gold medalist from NIT Calicut and an MBA graduate from IIM Bangalore, Manuja faced struggles in finding employment after college, which deeply affected his mental health. This experience, combined with witnessing a friend’s mental health crisis, inspired him to create a support system for those in need
Challenges of Work-Life Balance
Recently, Puneet shared insights on balancing parenting and entrepreneurship. He and his wife, Richa, who is also a co-founder, often bring their young son to work to manage both roles. Puneet highlighted that juggling a startup and parenting has taught them resilience and empathy, though it comes with challenges like sleepless nights and long workdays
Mental Health Advocacy
Under Puneet’s leadership, YourDOST partners with corporations, colleges, and government institutions to promote mental wellness. The platform focuses on issues like workplace stress, relationship challenges, and self-improvement. Puneet emphasizes the importance of mental health for productivity and national development
Recognitions and Contributions
Puneet’s work has garnered recognition, including a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30. He also advocates for responsible gaming, addressing the psychological impacts of gaming. His contributions aim to foster a mentally healthier society while leveraging technology to expand wellness outreach
Puneet Manuja’s commitment to mental wellness continues to inspire and create lasting impact, positioning YourDOST as a crucial player in India’s mental health landscap