Maitri Youth Convention Spotlights Mental Health
India-West News Desk
CUPERTINO, CA -Youth leaders, mental health professionals and families gathered at the Cupertino Public Library on February 8 for the Maitri Youth Convention, a youth led forum focused on emotional wellbeing and mental health awareness.
Hosted by Maitri, the event brought together high school students from across the region to openly discuss the pressures shaping young lives, from academic stress and family expectations to social media influence and stigma around seeking help.
The convention was formally inaugurated by Cupertino Councilmember Sheila Mohan, who underscored the importance of community spaces that empower young voices. Her remarks set the tone for an afternoon centered on dialogue, understanding and collective responsibility.
Keynote speaker Shalini Dayal, a licensed Marriage, Family and Child Therapist, drew clear distinctions between stress, anxiety and depression, encouraging young people to recognize early warning signs and seek support. She emphasized that open communication within families can prevent emotional build up and foster healthier relationships. Through interactive engagement with the audience, Dayal offered practical tools for emotional regulation and resilience.
Guest speaker Preet Sabharwal, a licensed clinical psychologist, addressed the unique experiences of South Asian youth raised in the United States. He spoke about balancing dual cultural identities while navigating societal and familial expectations. Sabharwal outlined strategies for maintaining emotional health amid competing pressures, noting that identity conflict can often intensify stress if left unaddressed.
Throughout the afternoon, youth speakers took the stage to share personal stories and reflections. They discussed the importance of family support during times of struggle and called for breaking stigma within the Desi community around therapy and mental health care. Students spoke candidly about coping with academic competition, navigating breakups, managing relationship dynamics and building emotional resilience.
Several speakers highlighted the impact of digital media, influencer culture and toxic masculinity on young men’s mental health, urging peers to challenge harmful norms and support one another. Others focused on youth advocacy and leadership, encouraging attendees to become active participants in shaping healthier school and community environments.
The program also included question and answer sessions, open mic talks, and peer-to-peer conversations that created what organizers described as a safe and empowering space. A central theme echoed throughout the gathering was that youth mental health is not merely a personal concern but a shared community responsibility.
Community partners Moms Demand Action and California Women’s Hygiene Initiative hosted resource tables, providing attendees with information and connections to local support services.
The event was emceed by Amber Mishra, who guided discussions and introduced speakers while encouraging participation from students in attendance.
Maitri, a free and confidential nonprofit based in the San Francisco Bay Area, primarily serves South Asian families and individuals facing domestic violence, emotional abuse, cultural alienation, or family conflict.
