Research
Sep 2023 – Present
ISOBAR Project
A school-based project in India and Nigeria focused on mental health and nutrition-related disorders in adolescents. It provides evidence-based counselling in schools to promote early intervention and equitable access.
Funders
- Medical Research Council (UK)
Partners
- University of Warwick (Lead Research Organisation, Project Partner)
- Department of Health and Social Care (Co-funder)
- Aadharavu Trust (Project Partner)
- Indian Law Society (ILS) (Project Partner)
- Schizophrenia Research Foundation-India (Project Partner),
- University of Ibadan (Project Partner)
- M.G Grammar School (Project Partner),
- Geneva University Hospitals (Project Partner)
- BringChange PBC (Project Partner)Vale College (Project Partner)
- Oyo State Ministry of Education (Project Partner)
Feb 2023 – Present
The project explores demand-side barriers in college-based mental health uptake and tests interventions like peer support and de-stigmatization to improve service use among Indian youth.
Uptake-Acceptability and Feasibility of college-based interventions on uptake of mental health services among young people.
Funders
- MIT / Harvard
Partners
Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab South Asia (J-PAL SA)
May 2024 – Aug 2025
Improving School Ethos Towards Mental Health Through Whole-School Mental Health Interventions: An Implementation Science Approach
Uses qualitative methods to identify school-based barriers to youth mental health interventions and co-designs a scalable model for LMICs.
Funders
- NIH, USA
Partners
YiPEE – Youth co-Production for Sustainable Engagement and Empowerment in Health
Jan 2023 – Dec 2025 (3years, Ongoing)
Multinational intervention promoting gratitude, kindness, and hope among 12–14-year-olds using participatory methods across India, Kenya, Sweden, and South Africa.
Funders
- Not mentioned
Partners
2024 – Present
JAMS – Juveniles Accessing Mental health Services
Improves access to mental health services for children in CCIs through staff training, youth-friendly spaces, and resource mapping in Tamil Nadu and Odisha.
Funders
- NIHR (UK), Grand Challenges Canada
Partners
May 2024 – Apr 2027
Life-Skills Intervention for Adolescents Facing Chronic Adversities
Adapts the NIMHANS life-skills module for slum-dwelling adolescents aged 13–15, addressing well-being through problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills.
Funders
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Partners
2024 – Present
STOPS – School-based Intervention using Theatre of the Oppressed for Suicide Prevention
Funders
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Partners
- Indian Council for medical Research,Centre for community dialogue and change (CCDC),
- Niraivagam
- Greater chennai corporation schools
- Ashadeep
- Arvam Organisation
- Participating Schools in Tamil Nadu
- Independent theatre and mental health professionals
2022 (Completed)
MARCH – Mental Well-being through Art and Theatre
Engaged youth in colleges and communities using creative arts and trained mental health professionals to address wellness-based youth mental health.
Funders
- RIST (Rural india Supporting Trust)
Immersive Partner
- cities RISE
Partners
Number of colleges partnered: 3
Annai Violet Arts and Science College, Ambattur, Chennai.
St Thomas College of Arts and Science, Koyambedu, Chennai.
Sindhi Arts and Science College, Tiruverkadu, Chennai.
Number of communities partnered: 4
Kalyanpuram, Vyasarpadi, Chennai
Malligaipoo colony, Vyasarpadi, Chennai
Rajankuppam, Tiruvallur District
Periyapalayam, Tiruvallur District
Number of CBOs partnered: 3
aarVam- Brother Sigamani Animation Centre
FORRAD India, Periyapalyam
Aadharavu Home, Periyapalyam
Theatre consultants: evam
Mar 2022 – Feb 2025
Youth Early Services
Aims to address depression in youth using mobile apps, peer support, digital tools, and counselling, with sustainability via a trainer-of-trainers model.
Funders
- Indira Foundation (US)
Partners
- DG Vaishnav College
- C.T.T.E College
- Guru Nanak College
- Krea University
ACTORS and CHANNELS
Mapped how youth in LMICs access mental health knowledge through actors and platforms to improve evidence-based mental health outreach.
Funders
- Wellcome Trust, citiesRISE
Partners
- African Population and Health Research Centre
- KenyaInstitute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University
- South AfricaMental Health and Behavior Research Group
- University of Rwanda
- Rwanda Samarth
- India Forsyth Insights USA
2024 – 2025
Psychological Autopsy – Psychiatric, psychosocial and health system related risk factors preceding death by suicide utilizing 104 Health Helpline line (104-HHL) in Tamil Nadu: A case-control psychological autopsy study.
Examines psychosocial and system-related risk factors preceding suicide using Tamil Nadu’s 104 Helpline data through a case-control design.
Funders
- Government of Tamil Nadu
Partners
- SNEHA
- SCARF
2021 – 2024
Effectiveness of Interventions on Gratitude, Kindness and Hope to Enhance Mental Well-being Among Adolescents in School and Community Settings in South India: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (WASP Trial)
Funders
- Templeton World Charity Foundation, citiesRISE
Partners
- African Population and Health Research Centre
- Kenya,Department of School Education
- Greater Chennai Corporation
- Community Partners:Aarvam NGO,Thozhamai,SIAAP India,Arunodhaya,Ashadeep India