The Banyan Academy launches Dr. Parasuraman Lived Experience Writing Award

The Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health, in partnership with The Banyan and the Aaldamara Foundation, has introduced the Dr. Parasuraman Lived Experience Writing Award. This initiative honors the late Dr. S. Parasuraman, former director of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and a strong advocate for transformative higher education to address deprivation and inequity. The award aims to amplify voices from lived experiences of mental health challenges, encouraging writing that reflects diverse perspectives on mental distress and recovery.

Justice Prabha Sridevan, retired Madras High Court judge and acclaimed writer, presented the inaugural awards to two recipients: Sunitha Shirly and Sasisekar Menon. Shirly, a social entrepreneur, lyricist, musician, and author of over 18 books spanning fiction, poetry, essays, and children’s science literature, was recognized for her contributions to mental health advocacy through storytelling. Menon, a librarian and former Republic Day Disability Awardee, lives with schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease. His work and advocacy have long highlighted the intersection of disability and mental health.

The award seeks to foster narratives rooted in personal experience, offering a platform for individuals with direct encounters of mental health systems to share their insights. Both awardees will receive mentorship and editorial support to develop their books, which will explore themes of distress, resilience, and recovery. The initiative reflects a broader movement within mental health advocacy to prioritize first-person accounts and challenge stigma through authentic storytelling.

Dr. Parasuraman’s legacy, particularly his work in higher education reform, continues to inspire initiatives that bridge gaps in equity and access. The writing award extends this mission by creating opportunities for marginalized voices to be heard in literature and public discourse. By supporting writers like Shirly and Menon, the program not only celebrates their achievements but also strengthens the representation of lived mental health experiences in mainstream narratives.

This inaugural recognition marks a step forward in integrating mental health advocacy with literary expression, fostering a more inclusive dialogue around mental wellness in India.

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