The event formed part of the pan‑Indian initiative “Beyond the Horizon: A Ride for Resilience,” which traverses more than 50 cities to raise awareness about mental‑health issues and to reframe them from a source of shame into a sign of strength.
Speaking to the assembled audience, Hashmi urged families to abandon unscientific remedies—such as consulting traditional healers or religious sites—and to seek professional medical and psychological care for mental‑health concerns.
She also called for practical steps: training educators and parents to spot early signs of emotional distress, mitigating the harmful effects of academic pressure, and equipping peers with clear protocols for responding to acute crises like panic attacks.
Data presented at the campaign highlighted stark gaps in awareness: over 76 % of participants from North India and 85 % from Karnataka reported never having attended a mental‑health programme before, yet roughly 90 % said they learned new concepts about mental health during the event.
To sustain momentum after the team moves on, organisers distributed informational flyers and verified mental‑health helpline directories to all participants, aiming to embed lasting community support across the regions the ride will cover.