Welcome to the World Federation for Mental Health

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WFMH Board Candidates for Election

2025-2027

Laxmikant Rathi

Country: India
Region: Asia Pacific
Nominator: Sunil Mittal

Candidate 1000 word statement

I am Dr. Laxmikant Rathi, a practicing psychiatrist and the founder of “Gowardhan Hospital,” where I have been providing dedicated mental health care for the past 43 years. My commitment to mental health advocacy, education, and service has been unwavering throughout these decades, and I now seek the opportunity to bring my extensive experience, professional network, and leadership capabilities to the global platform of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) as a member of its Board.

My journey in psychiatry has been deeply rooted in community service and academic mentorship. Over the years, I have actively contributed to public awareness about mental health through lectures, seminars, articles in print media, and community outreach programs. I have also taken pride in training and mentoring the next generation of mental health professionals—including young psychiatrists, postgraduate students, and nursing staff—ensuring the growth of compassionate and competent mental health services in India.

My career has been defined by a consistent pursuit of enhancing mental health care and advocacy. I am particularly enthusiastic about the mission of the WFMH and strongly believe that my experience and global affiliations can substantially contribute to advancing its vision. I currently hold Individual Membership in WFMH (Membership No. 2025-1273) and am keen to become a Life Member in the near future. Additionally, I am prepared to support the Federation through financial contributions, aimed at strengthening its sustainability and outreach capabilities.

In addition to my clinical and academic work, I have held numerous leadership positions in national and international psychiatric organizations. These roles have provided me with rich organizational experience, strategic insight, and a broad global perspective. Some of the notable positions I have held include:

  • Executive Council Member, SAARC Psychiatric Federation
  • Advisor, World Congress of Asian Psychiatry (WCAP)
  • Immediate Past President, Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS)
  • Past President, West Zone of Indian Psychiatric Society
  • Past President, Maharashtra State Chapter of IPS
  • Past EC Member, Indian Association of Private Psychiatry (IAPP)
  • Past Direct Council Member, Indian Psychiatric Society
  • Past President, Amravati Indian Medical Association (IMA)
  • Past President, Amravati Psychiatrists Society

In all these roles, I have advocated for holistic, community-based mental health care and the integration of mental health into broader health systems. I bring the same vision and dedication to the WFMH and am committed to furthering its global mental health agenda.
Apart from my psychiatric affiliations, I am also deeply involved with Lions Clubs International, having served as a Past District Governor and continuing to be an active member. Lions Clubs International recently adopted Mental Health as its 9th Global Cause, presenting an exciting opportunity for collaboration with WFMH. Lions Clubs has a presence in over 210 countries, and this global footprint can be leveraged to extend the reach of WFMH programs. Furthermore, there are substantial grant opportunities through the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), including grants upwards of USD 75,000, which can be channeled towards impactful global mental health initiatives.
Through my position in Lions International, I can serve as a bridge between WFMH and one of the world’s largest volunteer service organizations. This synergy can significantly amplify our collective efforts in advocacy, service delivery, and fundraising for mental health at the grassroots and global levels.
I identify myself in three capacities relevant to the mission of WFMH:

  • Psychiatrist – with over four decades of clinical expertise.
  • Mental Health Professional – involved in policy, education, and advocacy.
  • Family Member – understanding the challenges faced by caregivers and loved ones of individuals with mental illness.

My strategic goals as a prospective Board Member of WFMH include:

  • Enhancing Membership Engagement: I aim to recruit and involve more young psychiatrists and mental health professionals from South Asia and other underrepresented regions, fostering a vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive WFMH community.
  • Building Cross-Organizational Partnerships: Leveraging my affiliations with international organizations, including Lions International, SAARC Psychiatric Federation, and WCAP, I intend to foster collaborations that align with WFMH’s objectives and promote mental health globally.
  • Advocating for Youth Mental Health and Community Services: Drawing from my fieldwork and organizational roles, I will promote programs focused on youth, women, and vulnerable populations, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Financial Strengthening of WFMH: Beyond contributing personally, I am committed to mobilizing financial support for WFMH through strategic fundraising efforts, international grants, and corporate partnerships.
  • Representing WFMH Effectively: I pledge to attend and actively participate in all Board meetings—whether in person, via conference calls, or through email correspondence. I have no constraints that would limit my availability, and I approach this role with the full readiness to serve with integrity, dedication, and diligence.

If elected, I will bring to the WFMH Board a lifetime of clinical wisdom, a robust international network, proven leadership acumen, and a passion for service. I am deeply committed to the mission of promoting mental health as a universal human right and addressing the global mental health crisis with compassion, innovation, and collective strength.

In conclusion, I offer myself as a dedicated, experienced, and visionary professional, ready to contribute meaningfully to the governance and advancement of the World Federation for Mental Health. With your trust and support, I am confident that together we can strengthen the global mental health movement and ensure that no one is left behind.

Candidate additional statement if provided

As the Immediate Past President of the Indian Psychiatric Society, I successfully led initiatives across all domains, achieving a remarkable increase of over 1,000 new members during my tenure. I have represented India as faculty at prestigious international platforms including APA, WPA, BIPA, Mayo Clinic, RANZCP, SAARC Psychiatric Federation, and Asian Psychiatry. My longstanding involvement with Lions Clubs International, where I have donated USD 11,000 personally, positions me uniquely to facilitate MoUs between Lions International and WFMH. This can open pathways for substantial funding from LCIF to support WFMH initiatives. Renowned for my strong oratory and communication skills, I am committed to advancing WFMH’s objectives by fostering partnerships, organizing scientific meetings, hosting webinars, and coordinating symposia and workshops at WFMH’s World Congresses and regional conferences. With my global network and proven leadership, I am well-prepared to enhance WFMH’s reach, impact, and sustainability through academic, organizational, and financial contributions.

Candidate CV

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