Bhavna Faizullabhoy

About Me

Hi, my name is Bhavna Faizullabhoy and I am running 10km in the Tata Mumbai Marathon to raise funds for Agatsu Foundation, a dedicated mental health organization that, over the past three years, has built a multi-faceted approach to promoting mental well-being and increasing access to mental health resources.

I am a Library Educator and run a small library from home called Just B - The Library is Open. I am passionate about books and strongly believe in the power of reading to create empathy and promote greater human engagement. I have collaborated with Agatsu to create new experiences around books and reading, and to explore the deep connections between reading and mental well-being.

This is going to be the third time I am participating in TMM, the first time I am fundraising, and it's a cause that I truly believe in. Running isn't something that comes easily or naturally to me, I have to work very hard and keep showing up, but it will be totally worth the effort if I can raise money for Agatsu, and the organization can continue to grow and reach more people.

I have personally benefitted from professional mental health support and my hope is that more people will seek it and access it. "Self care is how you take your power back." Thank you!

Appeal

There is a book on my bedside table called The Boy, The Fox, The Mole and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy. This is my go to book for any mood, any season, any phase in my life. It's a book about four friends - the boy, the fox, the mole and the horse. It's a book on friendship, on life, on love, on mental well bring and so much more. It spans all these themes with just simple but beautiful illustrations on each page, with sparse but heaped with meaning text. It's the easiest book to read, yet the most profound. I would like to share one of my favourite quotes from this book.

"What's the bravest thing you've ever said?" asked the boy. "Help" said the horse. "Asking for help isn't giving up" said the horse. "It's refusing to give up."

I have chosen to support an NGO called Agatsu Foundation that works in the space of mental health in a community setting. At Agatsu, it is believed that healing and growth happen best in community. They have a FREE community centre in Bandra —a welcoming space filled with a library, art supplies, and a weekly schedule of activities and events designed to nurture connection, creativity, and care. Every week people walk through their doors—students looking for a safe place to study, adults searching for creative outlets, seniors eager for companionship, and individuals who might never have accessed traditional therapy. What unites them is the relief of finding a space where they are seen, welcomed, and valued. Agatsu is committed to keeping this centre free and accessible to all. But to do that, they rely on the generosity of supporters like you. Your contribution ensures that their library stays open, their art supplies stay stocked, and their activities remain FREE for everyone who needs them. Together, we can keep this community alive.

Mental Health support and services are still highly stigmatized and misunderstood, and I hope that organizations like Agatsu can continue to do the work they are doing in the community to reach people and provide the help and support they need. Any contribution towards this cause will be greatly appreciated!

To learn more please visit https://www.agatsufoundation.org/

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