All India Institute of Mental Health) (AIIMH)

AIIMH and the Birth of NIMHANS – A Philatelic Tribute

The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, stands today as one of the world’s most respected centres for mental health and neurosciences. Its story, however, begins much earlier—with the vision of establishing a national hub for advanced mental health care and research.

While NIMHANS traces its origins to the Bangalore Lunatic Asylum (1847) and later the Mysore State Mental Hospital (1925), a defining chapter unfolded in 1954 with the creation of the All India Institute of Mental Health (AIIMH).

AIIMH – A New Vision for Mental Health

AIIMH was sanctioned by the Government of India on the recommendation of the Mental Health Advisory Committee and the Bhore Committee, both of which recognized the urgent need for a modern, scientific approach to psychiatry and neurosciences in independent India.

The institute was envisioned as a national centre of excellence that would:

• Train specialized mental health professionals,
• Advance research into mental illnesses, and
• Provide modern psychiatric care.

This progressive initiative marked a significant shift from custodial asylums to a more rights-based and therapeutic model of care, setting new standards in mental health services across India.

From AIIMH to NIMHANS

In 1974, the historic merger of the Mysore State Mental Hospital and the All India Institute of Mental Health gave rise to what we now know as NIMHANS Bengaluru. This integration brought psychiatry, neurology, and neurosurgery under one umbrella—an innovative model that remains unique even today.

AIIMH’s pioneering role in research and training laid the foundation for NIMHANS to evolve into a multidisciplinary institute that now:

• Serves over half a million patients annually,
• Operates more than 20 specialty clinics,
• Trains students in 90+ postgraduate and fellowship programs, and
• Leads national and global collaborations in neurosciences and mental health.

Legacy of AIIMH in Modern NIMHANS

Even as NIMHANS expanded into a globally recognized institution, the legacy of AIIMH continues to shine through:

• Its early emphasis on education and research still drives NIMHANS’ academic excellence.
• Its patient-centred philosophy remains at the core of care delivery.
• Its vision of integrating clinical service with research and training continues to guide the institute’s growth.

A Stamp Honouring the Journey

To celebrate 50 years of NIMHANS, the Department of Posts has issued a commemorative postage stamp. This stamp is not just a tribute to NIMHANS but also honours the foresight behind AIIMH, which played a transformative role in redefining mental healthcare in India.

Through this philatelic issue, India Post salutes the legacy of AIIMH and NIMHANS—an enduring symbol of hope, healing, and progress in the fields of psychiatry and neurosciences.