The Banyan Academy has introduced the Dr. Parasuraman Lived Experience Writing Award to support authors navigating mental health challenges. Winners will receive professional mentorship and editorial support to document their stories of resilience.

  • The award aims to provide a platform for individuals with lived mental health experiences.
  • Winners receive dedicated mentorship and editorial assistance for book writing.
  • The initiative commemorates the legacy of the former director of TISS.

In a significant move to bridge the gap between mental healthcare and literature, The Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health, in collaboration with The Banyan and the Aaldamara Foundation, has officially launched the Dr. Parasuraman Lived Experience Writing Award. The initiative seeks to amplify the voices of those who have navigated the complexities of mental health, turning personal distress into powerful narratives of resilience.

The awards were presented by Justice Prabha Sridevan, former judge of the Madras High Court and a noted writer. The inaugural recipients include Sunitha Shirly, a prolific social entrepreneur and author of over 18 books, and Sasisekar Menon, a librarian and previous Republic Day 2026 Disability Awardee who lives with Schizophrenia and Parkinson’s.

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Historical Background

The award is instituted in memory of the former director of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Dr. Parasuraman. Known for his championing of transformative higher education to combat social deprivation and inequity, his legacy continues through this award, which focuses on empowering those at the margins of society through the power of expression.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that traditional narratives surrounding mental health often lack the depth of first-person perspective. By providing awardees with a professional mentor and editor, this program ensures that these raw, intimate stories are polished into high-quality literature that can influence public policy and social empathy.

This award creates a vital space for stories written from the vantage of intimate interiority, celebrating the true diversity of the human mind.

The program is designed to go beyond mere recognition; it provides the structural support necessary to transform lived experience into published works, ensuring these stories reach a global audience.

Did You Know?: Narrative medicine is an emerging field that uses storytelling to improve the healing process and clinical understanding of patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What specific support do the awardees receive?
Answer: Awardees are provided with a professional mentor and an editor to assist them in the process of writing and publishing their books.

Question 2: Who is the award named after?
Answer: The award is named in honor of the former director of TISS, who fought against social inequality through education.