Dentist | Social Entrepreneur | Healthcare Advocate
“My pain is invisible—but my purpose isn’t. I advocate so no one else suffers in silence.” – Dr. Anubha Mahajan
Dr. Anubha Mahajan is an award-winning disability rights advocate, healthcare disruptor, and social entrepreneur recognized for transforming personal adversity into nationwide impact. As the founder of Chronic Pain India, she has pioneered awareness and advocacy for chronic pain and invisible disabilities, earning the organization the “NGO of the Year 2022” for its work in empowering marginalized healthcare communities.
A qualified dentist and a graduate in Social Entrepreneurship from TISS Mumbai, Dr. Mahajan lives with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Central Pain Syndrome, both rare neurological and invisible disabilities. Despite living with chronic pain, she has led national workshops, community health camps, and digital support networks that have reached thousands across India.
Her leadership and advocacy have earned her invitations to the Rashtrapati Bhavan by the President of India for Independence Day (2024) and Republic Day (2025), where she engaged with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar.
A recognized SDG 3 Ambassador, Dr. Mahajan has contributed to global and national policy through her roles with NITI Aayog, UNESCO, World Bank, and the United Nations in India, and was featured in the Voluntary National Review on Disability (2020) as a National Consultant. She was also part of the Visualising Pain Project between the UK and India, supported by University College London (UCL).
She has published community-based COVID-19 guidelines for vulnerable groups in partnership with a team of medical specialists, and her work has been widely circulated by The Logical Indian, Quint Fit, and major palliative care organizations.
A passionate communicator, Dr. Mahajan uses Theatre of the Oppressed as a therapeutic and educational tool in her workshops for patients, doctors, and caregivers. She’s been featured in The Indian Express, The Better India, NewzHook, The Logical Indian, and more. Her accolades include a SheSparks Social Impact Award nomination by YourStory (2023) and appointment as Purple Ambassador for chronic neurological conditions at the International Purple Fest 2024.
She has served as speaker and jury at global events, including:
• Youth Co:Lab Social Startup Incubation by UNDP & Citi Bank (2024)
• Fevers, Frets & Futures Conference (UCL)
• Pain Update Conference (Delhi Pain Management)
• CSR in Disability Sector Roundtable at the Spain Embassy, India (2024)
In addition to her advocacy, she has mentored women with disabilities and students from underprivileged backgrounds in career building and leadership.