Who we are

आँगन (Aangan) means courtyard. In many South Asian countries, a courtyard is a place of gathering. Neighbors can come and go as they please, a space to share stories and moments together. It is a space where plants grow and people heal.

Civilization and community thrives because of our aangan. When working at the suicide hotline, Reshika noticed that many people lacked their community. Their aangan.

Especially within the South Asian diaspora, it can be difficult to find community where we feel seen and heard for our unique experiences. Preserving the culture of our homeland, while adapting to a completely new one.

And the cherry on top, no one talks about it!

So, Reshika wanted to create a space, an aangan, where we address mental health stigma through storytelling, art expression, and education. Launched in April 2025, Aangan has held various workshops covering various topics such as movement & mental health, and bridging intergenerational gaps.

  • Reshika Balayan

    FOUNDER

    Reshika Balayan, MPH, CHES, is a dedicated public health professional with expertise in mental health, crisis intervention, and health education. Passionate about mental health awareness, Reshika is dedicated to implementing evidence-based interventions that address stigma and improve well-being in the South Asian Population.

  • Ritika Merai

    Ritika is a PhD student studying clinical psychology. As an Indian woman and immigrant in mental health research, she has often felt the lack of South Asian representation. She joined Aangan to help change that - to raise awareness and give back to the community that has shaped her. Outside of school and work, she enjoys doing yoga, reading, and trying to be a plant mom!

  • Mariam Farook

    Mariam is currently a senior at Rutgers University studying Cognitive Science. Mental Health is something she takes very seriously, and wants to help bridge the gap between mental health awareness and south asian communities. 

  • Neha

    Neha, MPH, is a compassionate Ayurvedic doctor and public health professional with a strong passion for mental health and holistic well-being. She is committed to leveraging her medical background and public health research expertise to raise mental health awareness, promote education, and reduce stigma—particularly within South Asian communities. Through meaningful community outreach, Neha strives to create lasting, positive change in people’s lives.

  • Nivedita Krishnakumar

    Nivedita is a South Indian raised in Princeton, NJ and mental health advocate and researcher who believes that wellness begins with open, community-based conversations. She has previously worked with Rutgers University and NAMI to foster intergenerational dialogue on mental health in the South Asian community. Using the power of storytelling, Nivedita hopes to continue  creating spaces of support, understanding, and care where these conversations can thrive.

  • Pranav Neravetla

    Pranav Neravetla is a medical student at Touro University Nevada with a background in biology and psychology from Nova Southeastern University. His passion for mental health is shaped by both personal and community experiences, driving his commitment to destigmatizing conversations around mental well-being in the South Asian community. Through his work with Aangan, Pranav hopes to bridge cultural gaps in mental health awareness and promote accessible, compassionate care.

  • Sanya Nijjar-Balyan

    Sanya Nijjar-Balyan is a Licensed Professional Counselor with specialized experience in treating eating disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. She primarily works with adolescents and young adults, offering compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to the unique challenges of this life stage. Sanya is dedicated to creating a supportive and empowering environment that fosters healing, self-awareness, and long-term growth. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants, always seeking new experiences that broaden her perspective and enrich her connections with others.