Mohan Agashe established the Maharashtra Institute of Mental Health in 1991, creating a dedicated state-level hub for psychiatric research and clinical training in Pune. His professional life bridges the gap between clinical psychopharmacology and the performing arts, maintaining a dual career that spans hospital wards, academic classrooms, and theatrical stages across India.
Medical and Academic Foundation
Educated at Nutan Marathi Vidyalaya and B. J. Medical College in Pune, Agashe earned his MBBS and MD degrees before joining the faculty at his alma mater. He served as a professor of psychiatry, contributing to clinical psychology and psychopharmacology research at Sassoon Hospital. His administrative leadership in medicine includes chairing organizing committees for the Annual National Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Public Health Initiatives
Agashe led a comprehensive five-year study on the psychological trauma resulting from the 1993 Latur earthquake, commissioned by the Indian Council of Medical Research. His influence on policy materialized in 1998, when his project concerning mental health education led to new government mandates in Maharashtra. He currently acts as a principal investigator for an Indo-US joint study examining cultural disorders related to fatigue and weakness.
Performing Arts Career
Initially debuting in a children's play produced by Sai Paranjape, Agashe integrated acting into his professional life despite his medical obligations. Between 1997 and 2002, he directed the Film and Television Institute of India. His stage credits include performances in Ghashiram Kotval, Ashi Pakhare Yeti, and Daakghar. In recent years, he has appeared in the short film #PuranaPyaar and a parody video for the Bharatiya Digital Party.
Fast facts
- Born: 23 July 1947, Bhor
- Citizenship: India
- Medical Specialty: Psychiatry
- Director General, Film and Television Institute of India: 1997–2002
- Awards: Goethe Medal (2004)
- Awards: Padma Shri
- Awards: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1996)
- Awards: Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
Questions readers ask
Did Agashe work in government medicine?
Yes, he served in a government hospital in Pune early in his career and acted as an advisor to the Government of Maharashtra regarding mental health services.
Has he received international recognition?
Yes, he was awarded the Goethe Medal in 2004 and the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Achievements
- Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Goethe Medal — 2004
