With support from the IndiaBioscience Outreach Grant, we created platforms for scientists, clinicians, patients, caregivers, and general public to connect and share insights. Through awareness events, expert interviews, an art competition, and an e-book, we sparked conversations on mental health, tackled stigma, and made research more accessible. An informal, safe and supportive outreach approach to bridge the Mental Health Gap in India With support from the IndiaBioscience Outreach Grant , we created platforms for scientists, clinicians, patients, caregivers, and general public to connect and share insights. Through awareness events, expert interviews, an art competition, and an e-book, conversations sparked on mental health, tackling stigma, and making research more accessible. We committed to six events to be held during the funding period, geared towards facilitating interactions between researchers, clinicians, patients and caregivers around a different central theme. Explore each theme through pictures, videos, and resources below! Bipolar Disorder At Bangalore, our Bipolar Disorder themed event was organised to coincide with World Bipolar Day (March 30). The objective here was not only to raise awareness of this disorder but also to promote an empathetic attitude towards those who live with the disorder. We attempted to achieve this by offering participants an understanding of the life of someone with a severe mental health disorder diagnosis. Read more about it in our blog Dementia We organised a virtual screening of the documentary ‘Keys Bags Names Words’ which portrayed personal stories of families coping with dementia, inspiring hope and understanding of the condition. This was followed by a panel discussion , with members including filmmakers, and specialists from NIMHANS, emphasising insights into dementia's impact and India-specific statistics, along with support resources. Neurodivergence Not all neurodivergent individuals are patients needing regular medical care. Discussion at this event, structured as a panel discussion, especially in the context of higher education: challenges faced by neurodiverse students and what accommodations institutes could provide. We partnered with Dr. Satendra Singh (UCMS Delhi) to organise this event, who has worked extensively in this field in the context of medical education. Dyslexia and Autism, under Indian Law, are classified under intellectual disabilities, which are not aligned with the underlying biology or clinical presentation. Panellists shared that resolutions can take any number of forms, including but not limited to sensitizing faculty to challenges that may be faced by neurodivergent students. Watch the discussion here Workplace and Mental Health The event, organized at Bhopal, focused on identifying common workplace stressors and exploring strategies for managing them at both individual and organizational levels. The panel emphasized the importance of early identification of stressors and building stronger communication channels within workplaces. The need for employers to promote a positive work culture where employees feel safe seeking help without fear of stigma was also stressed upon. The discussion concluded with an elaboration on simple and effective self-care strategies that could be employed at an individual level to combat workplace stress. Exploring the narrative of mental illness This event was held at the India Science Festival at IISER Pune and live-streamed on Zoom. We invited participants to join us to discuss common beliefs about mental illness with neuroscientists, psychiatrists and people with lived experiences. Our conversations explored the concept of mental illnesses on a continuum of human behaviour, as we discussed what it would take to shift the conversations from “them and their diseases” to “us and who we are”. After some stimulating conversations with our speakers, we invited participants to use their imagination and creative skills to craft a message and help battle the misinformation surrounding mental illnesses. Recovery in Mental Illnesses This event explored the broad question of recovery in mental illnesses: what it looks like, how do we define it. Panelists included healthcare professionals and members of the Mental Health Foundation. Among the highlights of the panel discussion were the role of environmental factors and how they can affect the various aspects - from cause to onset to treatment of mental illnesses. An individual’s family is at the core of this, as expected. And this is also why family therapy is an important piece of recovery. One of the panellists, Mrs Saraswathi Suresh, a Caregiver, Mental Health Advocate and Founder of FAVMI (Families Voice for Mental Illness), shared how difficult it was for their family after her son’s diagnosis, due to lack of information and internalised stigma. They were socially isolated by relatives. However, family therapy introduced them to the concept of gratitude and creating a safe, accepting environment for their son, by keeping guilt and helplessness aside. Evidence-based information on the role of peer support in recovery, including in combating stigma. MIND: The Gap This e-book blends research, personal stories, and insights from our events to explore mental health holistically. It covers patient-derived stem cell research, neurodivergence, workplace well-being, and media myths, highlighting the impact of social factors. By bridging science, policy, and lived experiences, it advocates for a more inclusive and informed approach to mental healthcare. Read Here Download Cover Cover 1/1 Mental Health Interview Series Play Video Play Video 00:40 Dementia Awareness FAQ What are some public health approaches which will aid awareness about dementia in low and middle income countries? Dr PT Sivakumar from NIMHANS answers your questions. This explainer series focuses on breaking stigmas surrounding psychiatric illnesses and spreading knowledge! Supported by IndiaBioscience and Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. Partnering organisations: Centre for Brain and Mind NIMHANS, Bipolar India, Sangath India and Project Encephalon #short #shorts #ytshorts #youtubeshorts #youtubeshort #shortvideo #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #dementia #dementiacare #dementiasupport #dementiaawareness #dementiacaretipsandtricks Play Video Play Video 00:55 Supporting Dementia Caregivers FAQ How do we support care partners & families who take care of patients? Are there services that provide help? Dr PT Sivakumar from NIMHANS answers your questions. This explainer series focuses on breaking stigmas surrounding psychiatric illnesses and spreading knowledge! Supported by IndiaBioscience and Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. Partnering organisations: Centre for Brain and Mind NIMHANS, Bipolar India, Sangath India and Project Encephalon #short #shorts #ytshorts #youtubeshorts #youtubeshort #shortvideo #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #dementia #dementiacare #dementiasupport #dementiaawareness #dementiacaretipsandtricks Play Video Play Video 00:54 Loneliness in Dementia FAQ How are loneliness & dementia connected? Can it be a risk to society, seeing as they affect the elderly & are becoming a public health concern? Dr PT Sivakumar from NIMHANS answers your questions. This explainer series focuses on breaking stigmas surrounding psychiatric illnesses and spreading knowledge! Supported by IndiaBioscience and Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. Partnering organisations: Centre for Brain and Mind NIMHANS, Bipolar India, Sangath India and Project Encephalon #short #shorts #ytshorts #youtubeshorts #youtubeshort #shortvideo #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #dementia #dementiacare #dementiasupport #dementiaawareness #dementiacaretipsandtricks Play Video Play Video 00:47 Supporting Dementia Patients FAQ For people who are affected with dementia, what can family members do to slow down progress and make day to day life easier? Dr PT Sivakumar from NIMHANS answers your questions. This explainer series focuses on breaking stigmas surrounding psychiatric illnesses and spreading knowledge! Supported by IndiaBioscience and Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. Partnering organisations: Centre for Brain and Mind NIMHANS, Bipolar India, Sangath India and Project Encephalon #short #shorts #ytshorts #youtubeshorts #youtubeshort #shortvideo #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #dementia #dementiacare #dementiasupport #dementiaawareness #dementiacaretipsandtricks Play Video Play Video 00:52 Suicide Awareness FAQ "I want to help someone I know. Does talking about suicide encourage it? Dr Vasundhara Teotia from NIMHANS explains. This explainer video series focuses on breaking stigmas surrounding psychiatric illnesses and spreading knowledge. Supported by IndiaBioscience and Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. Partnering Organisations: Centre for Brain and Mind NIMHANS, Bipolar India, Sangath India and Project Encephalon Director: Anushka Banerjee (https://linktr.ee/anoooshka) Editor: Prithwish Patra (https://linktr.ee/prithwishpatra) #shorts #youtubeshorts #ytshorts #short #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #mentalhealth #psychiatry #shortsvideo #viralvideo #nimhans #neuroscience Play Video Play Video 00:55 आत्महत्या जागरूकता से जुड़े सामान्य प्रश्न (FAQ) #suicideprevention #suicideawareness "क्या आत्महत्या के बारे में बात करना उसे बढ़ावा देता है?" निमहांस की डॉ. वसुंधरा टेवटिया आपके सवालों का जवाब देती हैं। यह व्याख्यात्मक वीडियो श्रृंखला मानसिक बीमारियों की गलत धारणाओं को तोड़ने और जानकारी फैलाने पर केंद्रित है! समर्थन: इंडिया बायोसाइंस और रोहिणी निलेकणी फिलैंथ्रोपीज साझेदार संगठन: सेंटर फॉर ब्रेन एंड माइंड, बाइपोलर इंडिया, संगठ इंडिया और प्रोजेक्ट एनसेफेलॉन। निर्देशन: अनुष्का बनर्जी (https://linktr.ee/anoooshka) संपादन: प्रितविश पात्रा (https://linktr.ee/prithwishpatra) #mentalhealth #neuroscience #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #bengaluru #suicideprevention #suicideawareness #mentalhealthstigma #mentalhealthstruggles #mentalhealthsupport #shorts #ytshorts #youtubeshorts #short #ytshortsindia #shortsindia Play Video Play Video 00:48 Dealing with Suicidal Thoughts FAQ "How do I deal with thoughts of suicide?" Dr Vasundhara Teotia from NIMHANS answers your questions. This explainer video series focuses on breaking stigmas surrounding psychiatric illnesses and spreading knowledge. Supported by IndiaBioscience and Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. Partnering Organisations: Centre for Brain and Mind NIMHANS, Bipolar India, Sangath India and Project Encephalon Director: Anushka Banerjee (https://linktr.ee/anoooshka) Editor: Prithwish Patra (https://linktr.ee/prithwishpatra) #shorts #youtubeshorts #ytshorts #short #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #mentalhealth #psychiatry #shortsvideo #viralvideo #nimhans #neuroscience #neuroscience #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #bengaluru #suicideprevention #suicideawareness #mentalhealthstigma #mentalhealthstruggles #mentalhealthsupport #shorts #ytshorts #youtubeshorts #short #ytshortsindia #shortsindia Play Video Play Video 00:52 आत्महत्या के विचारों का सामना: कुछ सामान्न्य प्रश्न (FAQ) #mentalhealth "आत्महत्या के विचारों का सामना कैसे करें? निमहांस की डॉ. वसुंधरा टेवटिया आपके सवालों का जवाब देती हैं। यह व्याख्यात्मक वीडियो श्रृंखला मानसिक बीमारियों की गलत धारणाओं को तोड़ने और जानकारी फैलाने पर केंद्रित है! समर्थन: इंडिया बायोसाइंस और रोहिणी निलेकणी फिलैंथ्रोपीज साझेदार संगठन: सेंटर फॉर ब्रेन एंड माइंड, बाइपोलर इंडिया, संगठ इंडिया और प्रोजेक्ट एनसेफेलॉन। निर्देशन: अनुष्का बनर्जी (https://linktr.ee/anoooshka) संपादन: प्रितविश पात्रा (https://linktr.ee/prithwishpatra) #mentalhealth #neuroscience #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #bengaluru #suicideprevention #suicideawareness #mentalhealthstigma #mentalhealthstruggles #mentalhealthsupport #shorts #ytshorts #youtubeshorts #short #ytshortsindia #shortsindia Play Video Play Video 00:39 Warning Signs of Suicide FAQ "What are warning signs that someone is seriously contemplating suicide?" Dr Vasundhara Teotia from NIMHANS answers your questions. This explainer video series focuses on breaking stigmas surrounding psychiatric illnesses and spreading knowledge. Supported by IndiaBioscience and Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. Partnering Organisations: Centre for Brain and Mind - NIMHANS, Bipolar India, Sangath India and Project Encephalon Director: Anushka Banerjee (https://linktr.ee/anoooshka) Editor: Prithwish Patra (https://linktr.ee/prithwishpatra) #shorts #youtubeshorts #ytshorts #short #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #mentalhealth #psychiatry #shortsvideo #viralvideo #nimhans #neuroscience #neuroscience #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #bengaluru #suicideprevention #suicideawareness #mentalhealthstigma #mentalhealthstruggles #mentalhealthsupport #shorts #ytshorts #youtubeshorts #short #ytshortsindia #shortsindia Load More This explainer video series focuses on breaking stigmas surrounding psychiatric illnesses and spreading knowledge. Project PI: Dr Reeteka Sud, Centre for Brain and Mind, NIMHANS Collaborators: Dr. Anant Bhan, Bhopal Hub Sangath Vijay Nallawala, Bipolar India Shriya Naidu, Consultant, Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology (FAST) India Ankush Chakraborty, Jhillika Trisal, Rithika Chunduri, Saidharshini Muthiah, Dhanashri Satav, Project Encephalon Coordinators: Anushka Banerjee & Kadambari Patil Design: Sukriti Chordiya and Savitha Sekhar

karishmaravikumar02@gmail.com < Back to People Page > Lab Team Karishma G R Project Associate Karishma is a dual degree graduate in Molecular Medicine, holding an M. Tech from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, and an MS from the University of Arizona, US. Her previous research focused on understanding the interactions between cancer cells and neurons. Beyond science, she is trained in Bharathanatyam and loves dancing. Her favourite pastime activities include reading books, watching movies and expressing her thoughts through writing.

05chandana99@gmail.com < Back to People Page > Chandana K M Technical Assistant

shrinkhalamajumdar96@gmail.com < Back to People Page > Clinical Team, Research Students and Fellows Shrinkhala Majumdar Clinical Project Associate, PhD Candidate Shrinkhala is a psychologist in the clinical team. She has a Masters degree in Psychology and has worked in both inducstrial as well as clinical settings. She is a therapist by profession who pursues her research in deviation in neurotrajectories amongst those affected by bipolar disorder. She enjoys writing for newspaper articles, swimming and art therapy with children in her spare time.

shivaliagarwal99@gmail.com < Back to People Page > Clinical Team Shivali Agarwal Psychologist

manjunathengowda@gmail.com < Back to People Page > Clinical Team Manjunatha E N Social Worker

Research Gate meera.purushottam@gmail.com < Back to People Page > Team Lead Dr Meera Purushottam Senior Scientific Officer Dr Meera Purushottam is senior geneticist at the Molecular Genetics Laboratory at NIMHANS where the focus has been the genetic basis and correlates of psychiatric and neurological diseases. The laboratory is the testing ground for many clinicians who base their post graduate and doctoral thesis dissertations on wet lab experiments carried out under her supervision. Her work has focused on trying to understand the influence of gene variants on disease presentation and response to drugs. Cells derived from patients have been used to unravel disease mechanisms better, while whole exome studies have helped to identify rare risk variants in severe mental illness in patients. She is in charge of genetic testing for early onset neuromuscular and late onset movement disorders. She is interested in understanding the biological implications of genetic variants at the level of the patient, the tissue and the cell. The effect of the environment on the DNA methylome is an area of specific interest.

Coffee, Cinema and Community: Redefining Mental Health Brain Awareness Week aims to foster public enthusiasm and support for brain science through education and awareness. Our week long program, held from July 15th - 21st. 2024 included book talks, art exhibitions, film discussions and learning about the history of NIMHANS, encouraging Bengaluru residents to learn & talk about mental health and neuroscience research. July 15 | Tour of NIMHANS with the Director The tour offered an insightful experience, including a guided visit through various parts of NIMHANS to learn about its history and groundbreaking research, led by the Director of NIMHANS, Professor Pratima Murthy. High school students from Gopalan International School interacted with our scientists, engaged in activities and paid a visit to the renowned Brain Museum. July 17 | "Mindscape and Landscape: An Illustrated History of NIMHANS" by Dr. Sanjeev Jain, Emeritus Professor, NIMHANS At this insightful book talk, Dr. Sanjeev Jain, eminent psychiatrist and author, delved into the rich history of NIMHANS and provided a captivating overview of the institution's journey and its significant contributions to mental health research and care, as detailed in his book. July 20 | Through the Looking Glass: Artistic Perspectives on Mental Health Artists from all across India harnessed their artistic skills to express their feelings about mental health. Art and photographs were displayed at the Neurobiology Research Centre at NIMHANS, and visitors also got a chance to go home with postcards of the artwork. You can view the artwork displayed at our exhibit on the right → (click to enlarge) Sophiya Sinha Charu Krishnaraju Vaishnavi S Naragunda Sophiya Sinha 1/51 July 20 | Mental Health & Movies - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly In this thought-provoking fireside chat on the representation of mental illnesses and health in movies our panellists comprising filmmakers (Vrinda Samartha, Suneel Raghavendra), mental health professionals (Dr Suhas Satish), and film bloggers (Dr Basundhara Ghosh) examined the impact of cinematic portrayals on public perception and stigma surrounding mental health issues, through a screening of clips from popular Indian films and engaging discussions with the audience. The talk was moderated by Anmol Tikoo. You can watch the discussion here July 21 | Stories in Motion: Mental Wellness through Art and Narratives by Dr. Ankit Dwivedi Our participants experienced the power of storytelling in understanding mental health with Dr. Ankit Dwivedi, a professional storyteller and researcher. This interactive workshop explored the nuances of mental health using engaging storytelling and community building, helping participants gain a deeper appreciation for the human experiences behind mental health challenges. Translated Resources We have translated several of our organization's resources, along with select materials from the Dana Foundation, into Hindi and Kannada. T hese resources focus on mental health disorders and neuroscience research, aiming to make this information accessible to a wider audience. Hindi Resources Kannada Resources Brain Awareness Week is a global campaign aimed at increasing public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research. This annual event unites the efforts of organisations worldwide in promoting the importance of brain health. This event was sponsored by the International Brain Research Organisation (IBRO) and Dana Foundation Brain Awareness Week Grant , in association with the Department of Mental Health Education, NIMHANS, Bengaluru and the Centre for Brain and Mind - National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru . We thank our venue partners, the Bangalore International Centre and AttaGalatta . Coordinators: Anushka Banerjee & Kadambari Patil | Organisers: Dr Reeteka Sud, Dr Biju Viswanath, Dr YC Janardhan Reddy, Dr Meena KS, Dr Ranjana Sarma & Shatabdi Pal | Designer: Sukriti Chordiya

johnsonajith2000@gmail.com < Back to People Page > Lab Team Johnson Ajith Project Nurse