Dr. Anand Nadkarni, a psychiatrist, writer, and founder of the Institute for Psychological Health in Thane, died on Friday morning (May 15, 2026) at a hospital in Mumbai. He was 66. His work spanned mental health awareness, addiction treatment, literature, and theatre.

Dr. Nadkarni lived in Thane’s Samatanagar area. He was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mumbai, where his health began to decline on Thursday night (May 14, 2026). He is survived by his wife and a son. His body will be cremated in Thane.

Born on December 22, 1958, Dr. Nadkarni faced physical challenges due to polio in his childhood. His father was a professor and later a principal. Dr. Nadkarni completed his early education in Jalgaon, Ambejogai, Vile Parle, and Thane. He obtained a science degree from Thane College, an MBBS from Seth G.S. Medical College in 1980, a Diploma in Psychological Medicine from K.E.M. Hospital, and an MD in Psychiatry in 1984. He was a gold medalist of Mumbai University in the MD examination and worked as a teacher at K.E.M. Hospital.

In March, he was diagnosed with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour. He underwent surgery on May 6 at Global Hospital in Mumbai. He was recovering, but on the night of May 13, he experienced vomiting and developed aspiration pneumonia. A perforation in his intestine led to another surgery that same night. His condition initially appeared to improve.

Dr. Nadkarni founded the Institute for Psychological Health (IPH) in Thane on March 23, 1990, to address misconceptions about mental disorders. The institute later functioned as a recognised educational centre affiliated with Mumbai University, SNDT University, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Amity University, and Indira Gandhi Open University. It operated in Thane, Pune, and Nashik. He was also a founding member of the Muktangan Addiction Detoxification Centre in Pune. In the 1980s, his work with addicted youth on the streets led to the Muktangan Addiction Detoxification and Rehabilitation Centre. He served as president of the ‘Muktangan Mitra’ organisation.

Dr. Nadkarni wrote more than 27 literary works, including novels, plays, poems, and psychological writings. His books “Gadhepanchavishi” and “Vishadayoga” received awards from the Maharashtra government. His commercial plays “Rang Maza Wegala” and “Aseech Amehi Saare” were staged. Other plays such as “Hehi Divas Jatala”, “Jatrarahat”, “Sobitine Chaltana”, and “Rang Mazha Wegala” received recognition. His book “Psychiatrist of the Wise” is noted. Other titles include “Nature-Vibhava”, “Manogati”, “Karma-Dharma Sanyog”, “Muktipatre”, “Diary of a Psychiatrist”, “Meaning of Health”, “These Days Will Pass”, and “Janma Rahasya”.

He contributed as an expert to Marathi films “Kaasav”, “Khadham”, “Devrai”, and “Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar”. Three albums of Marathi and Hindi songs, written and composed by him, were released. During the Covid-19 period, he conducted online and offline activities for mental health awareness, including over 450 webinars and hundreds of interviews. The YouTube channel Avahan IPH became a platform on mental health under his guidance. In 2025, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award.