Feel heard whenever you need it most.
180K
Empowering interactions
1K
Students empowered
500
Empathic listeners (Vira)
Built by students, for students.
Our story
When I was 14, I visited my grandmother in a remote village. With no kids my age around, I felt out of place and hesitant to share my thoughts with the older adults there, fearing judgment or indifference. This self-imposed silence left me feeling isolated.
One day, I discovered my grandmother’s veranda, a bright, sunlit room filled with glass windows. The space had a magical way of making my loneliness disappear. I didn’t feel judged or out of place there—I simply felt at ease, like I could be myself.
Years later, when I founded Viranda, I wanted to recreate that feeling—a safe, light-filled space where people could express themselves freely, without fear of judgment or loneliness. I chose the name Viranda instead of veranda because in our space, you’re not alone. You’re joined by anonymous friends called Vira, inspired by the Sanskrit word for “hero.” These empathetic listeners are there to make sure you feel heard and supported in your own safe, judgment-free room.
Pavel Israelsky
Founder & CEO
Led by world-class mental health professionals
Why we do what we do?
Physical consequences of poor connection can be devastating
29%
Increased risk of heart disease
32%
increased risk of stroke
50%
increased risk of dementia