The author reflects on their reading journey, emphasizing a shift to Kindle Unlimited and revisiting physical books post-pandemic. They highlight their connection with Reshma Valliappan’s work on schizophrenia, appreciating its raw honesty. The narrative conveys the complexities of mental health, urging readers to recognize diverse experiences and cultivate empathy towards those affected.
Category: advocacy
Personal Challenges of Facing Schizophrenia
The author shares their journey with schizophrenia, highlighting early diagnosis, family support, and personal efforts toward managing the condition. They emphasise the importance of understanding mental health beyond stigma and labels. Through writing and self-reflection, they find clarity, striving for social connections while facing ongoing challenges in daily routines and fitness.
Roars and Flutters of Pratham Stories – PRC 2025
This year, I engaged in one-on-one storytelling sessions for Pratham Reading Champions, starting with my niece and expanding to other children. We explored two books: "Surki and Tirki," focusing on friendship, and "I Am Not a Cat," which emphasises quiet strength. Both stories sparked laughter, debates, and deeper conversations. Such experiences remind me of the magic of storytelling in nurturing young minds.
Why I Don’t Let My Diagnosis Define Me
Srividya’s memoir reflects her journey with mental health challenges, emphasising that labels do not define a person. Through silence, resilience, and the power of writing, she explores acceptance and the struggle against societal prejudice. Her story advocates for understanding mental health while finding solace in daily victories, like making tea.
Sympathy Vs. Empathy, Tipping Towards Sympathy!
The author reflects on the complexity of empathy versus sympathy in caregiving, particularly in relation to schizophrenia. They argue that sympathy maintains emotional boundaries, offering stability and preventing caregiver burnout. The piece emphasises a preference for sympathy over empathy, suggesting that the former can better support both caregiver and patient without emotional entanglement.
Healthy Life of Full Circle Recycling! Pratham Books Champions 2018
The featured book for the Pratham Books Champions Programme 2018 was A Cloud of Trash, written by Karanjeet Kaur and illustrated by Bhavana Vyas Vipparthi. I enrolled late that year, with barely two weeks to go, but once I held the book in my hands, I knew I had to take part. The story was … Continue reading Healthy Life of Full Circle Recycling! Pratham Books Champions 2018
Pratham Books Champions Programme 2017
The author reflects on their experience with the Pratham Books Champions initiative in 2017, which encouraged storytelling among children. The event featured the book Kottavi Raja and His Sleepy Kingdom, sparking enthusiastic engagement and dialogues among children. This experience reinforced the notion that storytelling is a shared, interactive journey rather than a one-way transmission.
My Numero Uno Pratham’s Champions Programme of 2015
The author reflects on their journey with Pratham Books, starting with their involvement as a Reading Champion. They recount their excitement for the Champions Programme and describe organizing a reading session at a school, which turned into a lively performance. The experience deepened their commitment to fostering children's love for reading.
Itinerant Storyteller 