Mental Health Writing Award Launched

Dr. Parasuraman Lived Experience Writing Award

• Institutions Involved: The Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health, The Banyan, Aaldamara Foundation.

• Purpose of the Award:

  • To support and promote writing from individuals with lived experiences of mental health issues, focusing on diverse perspectives within India.
  • Established in memory of Dr. Parasuraman, former director of Tata Institute of Social Sciences, known for advocating transformative higher education aimed at addressing deprivation and inequity.

• Award Recipients:

  • Sunitha Shirly:

    • Roles: Social entrepreneur, lyricist, musician, author.
    • Works: Author of over 18 books across various genres including novels, short stories, poetry, essays, and children's science books.
    • Founder of Root Trust, an organization likely focused on social issues.

  • Sasisekar Menon:

    • Role: Librarian, recognized as a Disability Awardee on Republic Day 2026.
    • Health Conditions: Lives with Schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease.

• Support Structure for Awardees:

  • Each awardee will receive mentorship and editorial support to assist in their writing endeavors, focusing on narratives of distress and resilience.

• Significance of the Award:

  • Aims to create a platform for stories that reflect personal experiences with mental health, contributing to greater awareness and understanding of mental health issues in society.

• Judicial and Legislative Context:

  • The initiative aligns with the broader movement for mental health awareness and rights, potentially reflecting the provisions under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, including mental health care.

• Economic and Social Impact:

  • By promoting mental health narratives, the award may contribute to social change and reduce stigma associated with mental health conditions, thus improving community support systems and mental health resources.

This initiative showcases the intersection of mental health advocacy, literature, and education, encouraging a more inclusive dialogue around mental health in India.