Dr. Nabhit Kapur is not only an accomplished psychologist but also an influential global leader in mental health and water sanitation advocacy. He has served as the Ambassador and Permanent Observer of the Pan African Intergovernmental Agency on Water and Sanitation to the United Nations, where he has been at the forefront of advocating for African nations in global water and sanitation policy debates.
A Passion for Change: Early Beginnings
Dr. Kapur’s interest in power dynamics and social change started at a young age. “As a child, I was always influenced and curious to know how power works. I was fascinated by how powerful people talk, work, and make decisions,” he reflects. This curiosity led him to pursue a career in the public sector, where he would go on to create positive change.
His journey into the professional world began after completing his education. Dr. Kapur initially focused on mental health, working with local NGOs and community-based organizations. This hands-on experience allowed him to understand the complexities of the mental health sector and the importance of community-led initiatives.
As he grew in his career, Dr. Kapur transitioned into working with international organizations, where he focused on water and sanitation policy, advocacy, and programming. His passion for mental health led him to start the “World Leaders for Mental Health” initiative, a project where he worked with African governments, international partners, and local communities to develop mental health policies and strategies.
The Right Path: Becoming a Global Advocate
Dr. Kapur’s pivotal moment came when he was appointed as the Ambassador and Permanent Observer of the Pan African Intergovernmental Agency on Water and Sanitation to the United Nations. Reflecting on this moment, he says, “When the opportunity arose to serve as the Ambassador and Permanent Observer, I knew it was the right choice for me. This role allows me to leverage my expertise, experience, and passion to advocate for African countries’ interests in global water and sanitation policy debates.”
In his role, Dr. Kapur works to foster cooperation among African governments, international partners, and stakeholders. He advocates for clean water and sanitation as part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation for all. This work has been personally fulfilling for Dr. Kapur, as he sees the direct impact of access to clean water and sanitation on people’s lives across Africa.
Overcoming Challenges: A Journey of Persistence
Like many successful leaders, Dr. Kapur’s journey has not been without its challenges. One of the most significant obstacles he faced early in his career was the skepticism of influential figures who doubted his potential. “The major problem I faced was when many of the influential people never believed in me and some even questioned me. At times, I felt lost, but I refused to stop,” he shares.
Despite the discouragements, Dr. Kapur remained resilient. He learned the importance of perseverance and consistency. “The best lesson I’ve learned is to be consistent and not lose hope. Keep moving ahead, and it will definitely change the course,” he adds.
Starting in the mental health sector, Dr. Kapur initially faced limitations such as limited experience, resources, and a small network. “As a newcomer to the professional world, I faced challenges in establishing myself as a credible expert,” he reflects. “Competing interests, financial constraints, and lack of infrastructure also made it difficult at times.”
However, these early obstacles didn’t deter him. Instead, they fueled his determination to grow, learn, and contribute to the greater good. His volunteer work with community-based organizations provided him with valuable real-world experience and cemented his commitment to advocacy and international development.
A Global Perspective: Dr. Kapur’s Role in Africa’s Development
Dr. Kapur’s experiences across different sectors led him to a unique position to influence policy change in Africa. His work with mental health leaders from various African nations sparked a deep interest in the continent’s health conditions, which eventually led him to focus on water sanitation issues. This transition culminated in his current role as the Ambassador for the Pan African Intergovernmental Agency on Water and Sanitation.
For Dr. Kapur, the opportunity to work on water and sanitation issues in Africa is a dream come true. “Being nominated to this position and working with some of the best professionals in the field has been a significant achievement. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my contributions are acknowledged, and I am able to influence policy changes in Africa,” he says proudly.
In addition to his work with water and sanitation, Dr. Kapur is dedicated to improving Africa’s mental health landscape. His advocacy efforts continue to push for mental health awareness, and he remains a vocal proponent of integrating psychological well-being into public health policies across the continent.
The Power of Prayer and Consistency
Dr. Kapur also credits his success to his personal spiritual practices. “I believe a lot in prayer. I pray every morning at 2 a.m. I feel that prayer gives me a ray of hope and takes me beyond limits,” he shares. His faith, combined with his resilience, has kept him focused on his journey despite the hardships.
Even in moments of doubt, Dr. Kapur remains optimistic. “There are times when I feel demotivated, just like anyone else. But it’s how you pick yourself up and move forward that makes all the difference,” he explains. His personal mantra of never giving up has been a driving force throughout his career.
Redefining Success: Beyond Material Wealth
Dr. Kapur’s definition of success has evolved over time. “When I was younger, success was all about money and material wealth,” he recalls. “But as I grew older, I realized that true success is when you’re happy doing what you do, when you overcome the challenges that come your way, and when you make a positive impact in people’s lives.”
For Dr. Kapur, success is not measured by financial gain but by the difference he makes in the world. “I work hard every day with the belief that one day I will achieve what I desire – to be an influential person who can make a substantial impact on the world,” he says.
Words of Wisdom for the Next Generation
As someone who has overcome significant obstacles and achieved remarkable success, Dr. Kapur has valuable advice for the younger generation. “To my younger self, I would say: Be true to yourself. Know yourself better. Be introspective, and never stop learning. Dare to dream and move forward,” he advises.
He emphasizes the importance of resilience, especially when pursuing a career in a challenging field like mental health and international development. “Don’t lose hope. Keep moving ahead, and you’ll reach where you want to be,” Dr. Kapur encourages.
Dr. Kapur’s story is one of perseverance, dedication, and making a meaningful difference. His journey continues to inspire many, and his work in mental health and water sanitation advocacy promises to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Do follow him on Instagram.
