Elevating Everyday Heroes in Mental Health
The Sundram Fasteners Fellowship for Mental Health and Social Care was launched in 2019 to address the critical shortage of mental health professionals in India. An estimated three-quarters of those with serious mental health conditions lack access to adequate care.
This one-two year fellowship programme has supported fellows working across domains including community-based service provision, systems-level reform, and research. Recipients of this fellowship receive financial support ranging from ₹1.2 to ₹4.8 lakh per annum.
From community-based care in rural areas to legal reform in institutional settings, each Fellow brings a unique, transformative approach to the mental health landscape.
Meet our esteemed fellows
Dr. Chitra Venkateswaran
Founder, Mehac Foundation (Mental health NGO), Kerala
Psychiatrist and co-founder of Mehac Foundation, integrating Kerala’s palliative care model with community mental health services. Currently leading the Foundation’s work across Kerala, blending medical care with community-led approaches to foster inclusive mental health care.
Gaurav Bansal
Advocate, Supreme Court of India, New Delhi
Advocate using public interest litigation to uphold the rights of people in psychiatric institutions. Files PILs for accountability and systemic change, advocating for the legal rights of institutionalized individuals and creating exit pathways for those without family or community support.
Shanthi Rajmohan
Founder of DIYA (Dialysis Patients association), Chennai
Founder of DIYA, focusing on mental health care for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and their care-givers. Supports self-care and mental health awareness for CKD patients and caregivers, drawing from personal experience as a CKD survivor.
Naveen Kumar
Founder, Atchayam Trust, Erode, Tamilnadu
Replicated The Banyan’s Emergency Care and Recovery Center for people suffering from mental illness and long-term homelessness in Erode, Tamil Nadu. Leads programs supporting youth and vulnerable populations, while strengthening support networks via local partnerships.
M. Thangam
Founder, Vazhai Foundation, Sivagangai, Theni & Virudhunagar Districts, Tamilnadu
After overcoming personal hardships, he dedicated his career to mental health—mentoring rural youth across districts in Tamil Nadu and fostering resilience through lived experience. His time at Azim Premji Foundation, SEESHA KArunya Community Hospital, and Association for Rural Mass India has earned him multiple awards.
Sonal Promod Adlakhiya
Caregiver and Lived Experience Expert
A BALM alumna, she is writing her autobiography on hope and resilience, blending personal experience into her mental health practice. She offers peer-informed counselling, advocates for inclusive services, and works to break stigma.
Palak Ben
Shelter Coordinator, Rain Basera, Gujarat
A community mental health mobiliser managing shelter services for the homeless in Gujarat, overseeing Rain Basera operations. She connects homeless individuals to health and mental health services, building trust and access through her strong community presence.
Fellowship Impact
The Sundram Fasteners Fellowship for Mental Health and Social Care was launched in 2019 to address the critical shortage of mental health professionals in India. An estimated three-quarters of those with serious mental health conditions lack access to adequate care.
This one-two year fellowship programme has supported fellows working across domains including community-based service provision, systems-level reform, and research. Recipients of this fellowship receive financial support ranging from ₹1.2 to ₹4.8 lakh per annum.
From community-based care in rural areas to legal reform in institutional settings, each Fellow brings a unique, transformative approach to the mental health landscape.
SFL-BALM Fellowship call for 2026
Current mental healthcare access is often fragmented, disconnected from communities’ lived realities, and overlooks local knowledge systems and cultural frameworks. Sundaram-Fasteners Fellowship at BALM, established in 2019, bridges the critical gap by cultivating a cadre of reflexive practitioners capable of navigating the complex intersection of care, social support, and community knowledge.
Join as a Fellow - Be a Changemaker
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As a Fellow, you'll be empowered to
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