My name is Abhijit Nadkarni, and for many years I have dedicated my work to understanding mental health, addictive behaviors, and the social factors that influence how people live, cope, and make decisions. My research career has taken me through hospitals, universities, and international collaborations, but at the center of everything I do is a simple question: how can we make mental health care more accessible and more relevant for people in everyday life?
This question has guided my work in India and internationally. Over time, I became particularly interested in behavioral addictions, including gambling and gaming, and how these activities intersect with culture, technology, and mental health.
Early Life and Academic Foundations
I grew up in India, a country with extraordinary diversity and complexity. From an early age, I was fascinated by human behavior—why people act the way they do, how society shapes decisions, and how emotional challenges affect daily life.
This curiosity naturally led me toward medicine. I pursued medical education in India and later specialized in psychiatry, a field that allowed me to combine science with a deeper understanding of human experience.
During my training, I worked closely with patients experiencing depression, anxiety, substance dependence, and other psychiatric conditions. What struck me most was that many mental health issues were deeply connected to social and environmental factors, including poverty, stigma, stress, and limited access to care.
These early experiences motivated me to explore not only clinical treatment but also public mental health research.
Entering the Field of Mental Health Research
My academic path eventually led me toward research collaborations with international institutions. One of the most influential partnerships in my career has been with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, where I have worked as a researcher focusing on global mental health.
At the same time, I became involved with Sangath, a well-known Indian research organization that focuses on community mental health interventions. Sangath has played a key role in developing scalable and affordable mental health programs across India.
Working with Sangath helped me understand that scientific research must translate into practical solutions. Publishing papers is important, but the real impact comes when research improves the lives of real people.
My Work at Sangath
Sangath has been one of the most meaningful professional homes in my career. The organization focuses on innovative mental health care models that can be implemented in communities rather than only in hospitals.
At Sangath, I have worked on projects related to:
- addiction research
- behavioral health interventions
- community-based mental health care
- digital mental health solutions
- youth mental health programs
A major goal of this work is to develop interventions that can be delivered by non-specialists, helping address the shortage of mental health professionals in countries like India.
Researching Gambling and Behavioral Addictions
One area that has drawn increasing attention in my work is behavioral addiction, particularly gambling.
In many countries, gambling has expanded rapidly due to online platforms, mobile gaming, and digital payments. India is no exception. Traditional card games like rummy and newer online betting platforms have created new opportunities for entertainment—but they also raise important questions about addiction and responsible gaming.
My research has focused on understanding:
- the prevalence of gambling behavior in India
- psychological risk factors for gambling addiction
- social consequences of excessive gambling
- cultural attitudes toward gaming and betting
Together with colleagues, I have contributed to research that explores how gambling fits within the broader landscape of mental health in India.
One of our key studies examined the historical, cultural, and social context of gambling in India, exploring how ancient traditions intersect with modern digital platforms.
Key Academic Collaborations
Over the years I have been fortunate to collaborate with researchers from multiple institutions around the world. These collaborations have helped expand the scope of our work and brought new perspectives to the study of mental health.
Some of the institutions connected to my research include:
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
- Sangath (India)
- international addiction research groups
- public health research networks
These partnerships allow us to combine clinical knowledge, public health insights, and cultural understanding to produce meaningful research.
Professional Timeline
| Year | Position | Institution | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Career | Medical Training | Indian Medical Institutions | Psychiatry and Mental Health |
| Research Phase | Mental Health Researcher | Sangath, India | Community Mental Health |
| International Collaboration | Researcher | London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine | Global Mental Health |
| Current Work | Senior Researcher | Sangath and Global Research Networks | Addiction & Behavioral Health |
Work Experience
| Institution | Country | Role | Research Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sangath | India | Researcher | Community Mental Health |
| London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine | United Kingdom | Collaborating Researcher | Global Mental Health |
| Public Health Research Networks | International | Research Collaborator | Addiction & Behavioural Science |
| Global Mental Health Projects | India / International | Lead Investigator | Mental Health Interventions |
Selected Publications
| Year | Publication | Topic | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Gambling in India: Past, Present and Future | Gambling research | View Study |
| 2018 | Behavioral Addictions in South Asia | Addiction research | Publication |
| 2020 | Mental Health Interventions in Low-Resource Settings | Public mental health | Research Paper |
Research Philosophy
Throughout my career I have believed that mental health research must bridge the gap between science and society.
In many parts of the world, mental health services remain limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. One of my goals has been to help develop scalable models of care that can reach more people.
This includes:
- digital mental health platforms
- community health worker training
- early intervention strategies
- prevention programs for addictive behaviors
These approaches allow us to expand mental health support beyond traditional clinical settings.
The Future of Gambling Research in India
India is currently experiencing rapid growth in digital gaming platforms. While many people enjoy gaming responsibly, it is important for researchers and policymakers to understand potential risks.
Future research must explore:
- online gaming behavior
- gambling addiction risk factors
- regulation of digital gaming platforms
- prevention strategies
By studying these issues carefully, we can help ensure that gaming environments remain safe and responsible.
Looking back at my career, I feel fortunate to have worked with talented colleagues and passionate organizations dedicated to improving mental health.
Research is never a solitary journey. Every study, every publication, and every project represents collaboration between scientists, clinicians, policymakers, and communities.
For me, the most rewarding moments come when research findings lead to real-world improvements—when a program helps someone receive mental health support, or when new knowledge contributes to better policies.
