Champion of Art and Mental-Health

Early Life & Education

Neha Kirpal was born in New Delhi, India.

She studied Political Science at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi, and later completed a master’s degree in marketing from University of the Arts London.

Founding the Art Fair

In 2008 Neha founded the India Art Fair (initially India Art Summit), which played a major role in reviving India’s contemporary art market and bringing global attention to Indian art.

Under her leadership the fair attracted artists, galleries, and art lovers worldwide — reshaping how Indian art is perceived globally.

She remained with India Art Fair until 2017, retaining a stake in the company even after stepping down.

Mental-Health Advocacy

In 2019 she shifted her focus, co-founding Amaha Health (formerly InnerHour), a pioneering mental-health and wellness platform in India offering therapy and support services.

Under her guidance, Amaha scaled to serve users in many Indian languages through a large team of mental-health professionals.Her move from the art world to mental-health care reflects a commitment to societal wellbeing and accessible care especially at a time when mental health is increasingly recognised as a public priority.

Recognition & Awards

Neha has received multiple honours for her work. Among them: the Nari Shakti Puraskar — India’s highest civilian award for women awarded in 2015 for her contribution to female empowerment and entrepreneurship.

She was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2015. She has also featured in influential lists such as 40 Under 40 and “Power Women” lists by various national media for her entrepreneurial and social-impact work.

Vision & Impact

Neha champions the belief that mental health should be mainstream — not marginalised. Through Amaha, she seeks to destigmatize mental illness and make quality psychological care accessible to millions across India.

Her dual legacy — reviving Indian contemporary art through India Art Fair and transforming mental-health outreach with Amaha — shows her versatility, empathy, and commitment to social change.