SJ FOUNDATION
Honours 20 Awardees for exemplary contributions to society
selected by the jury comprising very eminent individuals.

The Banyan,Chennai

Treatment and rehabilitation of mentally ill homeless women.

With the vision to improve the availability and scope of mental health solutions for those with no or limited ability to pay for their treatment and committed to the uplifment of the most marginalized sections of the society viz. homeless destitute women with mental illness since 1993, The Banyan, Chennai is providing scientific and humane care and facilitating restoration of their health to enable them to make choices about their future life and restoring them back to communities. Banyan is providing free consultation, medicines and therapy in their Urban and Rural mental health services.

The Banyan’s Health Centre offers both the general health and psychiatric services with the goal of integrating these for the benefit of the rural community. The Banyan community workers challenge the myth and stigma associated with mental illness through street theaters and interactions with local groups , Panchayats.

Their dedicated service has changed the life of over 5000 women by providing services to support them recover. 1600 homeless women with mental illness have been rescued, given treatment and counselling. Out of this, 950 women have recovered and reunited with their families. The Banyan also provides outpatient services to mentally ill patients in Chennai and is creating awareness in rural areas about mental illness and its treatment.

The Banyan, Chennai is awarded ‘SR Jindal Prize – 2012’ at the hands of ----------------------------- jointly with ‘Aravind Eye Hospitals’ for their exceptional achievements in the field of Health, including drugless healing and nature cure. The Award carries a Cash Prize of Rs.1 Crore to be shared equally.