Latest news with #Damodharan
News18
11 hours ago
- Health
- News18
'You Are Not Alone': Govt Boosts Mental Health Helpline Tele-MANAS for Air Crash Victims
Last Updated: According to the latest posters designed to spread awareness, 'Tragic events can affect our minds deeply – even if we are not directly involved.' 'You are not alone. Help is just a call away," reads the new poster the central government has floated to support the mental health of people directly or indirectly impacted by the Air India plane crash tragedy. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is planning to intensify its mental health campaign through the Tele-MANAS helpline, 14416. The aim is to offer support to families of air crash victims as well as healthcare workers involved in the aftermath. A mild uptick of around 5 per cent in incoming calls has already been observed compared to the usual volume. Tele-MANAS is a comprehensive mental health care service available for Indians under the National Tele-Mental Health Programme of India. The public can access this helpline by dialling a toll-free number. Callers are attended to by trained counsellors and psychiatrists. 'There is roughly a jump of 5 per cent in the number of incoming calls," said Dinakaran Damodharan, assistant professor of psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru (NIMHANS). 'There has only been a slight increase in the number of calls… While this is not a huge surge, the reason could be that individuals and healthcare professionals are not fully aware of the help they can get from this helpline." On average, he said, the helpline receives around 40 calls every day, but now, there is a mild surge. When asked about the top queries of callers, Damodharan said the details of conversations are confidential and not recorded. 'Hence, it's just between the caller and the consultant." It says it's completely normal to feel 'sadness or helplessness", 'anxiety or fear", 'anger or frustration". In a subhead on 'What can you do?", it suggests: 'Talk about your feelings with someone you trust." It also advises to 'Limit how much news you watch" and 'Take deep breaths, stay grounded." Damodharan from NIMHANS advised that the helpline can be used by healthcare professionals as well as forensic experts who may be experiencing burnout, in addition to the general public and relatives of the deceased. Plan to give social media boost The government is planning a social media push to boost awareness about the free mental health support available through this helpline. While the campaign was first launched in Gujarat on the same day as the plane crash (12 June), it was gradually rolled out across India. However, the government has now decided to promote the campaign through its social media channels, widely. 'The campaign was already there, but considering the emotional toll, the team is planning to expand the awareness drive. While some states have their own Tele-MANAS profiles on social media platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram, others will use the state health department handles," said a senior official privy to the development. 'We are releasing awareness messages in Gujarati, Hindi, and English so far, but languages may be added based on inputs received by the team and the geography of incoming callers. To attend to calls related to the plane crash tragedy, the languages available at the helpline number are Gujarati, Hindi, and English."
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Share your stories and receive a murukku in return
Samad Iqbal, one of the pivotal characters in Zadie Smith's novel White Teeth says, 'Every moment happens twice: inside and outside, and they are two different histories. Listening is understanding the inside moment.' 'Even when being with a group of friends, some may feel unheard or left out. For those who have stories to share but no ears to listen to, we are here,' said Keerthana K., a volunteer with 'Table & Stools', a 'listening community' in the city. 'I was once on the other side of the table, telling my story. Inspired by the idea, I joined the group,' she added. At Thiruvanmiyur MRTS Park, a young girl playing near the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Ival Idam exhibition comes and sits on the stool. She then begins speaking to K. Damodharan, a volunteer of the non-governmental organisation, and tells him so much, from her day in school to her thoughts on Chennai Super Kings. When the girl finally finishes, Mr. Damodharan gives her a murukku in exchange for her stories. The idea was launched by Jino J. Ampakkadu in Chennai in April 2023, with his friend Rahul Magesh and Mr. Damodharan joining him later. The initiative was expanded to Bengaluru in 2024. Mr. Rahul said they wanted to offer people something in exchange for sharing their stories and money did not feel right. So, they chose to offer a murukku as a 'reward'. 'On most Sundays at 7 a.m., along with volunteers, we set up the tables and stools at the Besant Nagar beach. I have heard many stories, from ex-convicts, sanitation workers, and joggers to even government officials. The purpose is to merely listen, not document or blog. That is what fascinated people. They speak with ease when they understand this,' he said. Around 20-30 people sit down on the stool every session, the volunteers said. However, Mr. Damodharan said not all locations they visit were welcoming. 'We have been asked to leave parks by security guards. Some of them are understanding, but we cannot expect such kindness from them at all times. So, we are hoping to work with the Greater Chennai Corporation to improve this initiative, take it to more people, and hold regular sessions,' he added.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Cooku with Comali fame chef Damodharan honored with Padmashri award
Chef and television personality Damodharan, fondly known as Chef Damu, has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri , one of India's highest civilian honours, for his exceptional contributions to the culinary arts . A celebrated figure in Indian households, Chef Damu rose to widespread fame as a judge on the popular television show Cooku with Comali . His career, which spans several decades, is a testament to his passion for South Indian cuisine and his dedication to preserving traditional cooking techniques. Notably, Chef Damu was the first Indian chef to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for preparing the largest number of dishes in a single day — a milestone that showcases his culinary prowess and innovation. Beyond his achievements in the kitchen, Chef Damu's charismatic presence and deep culinary knowledge have been key elements of Cooku with Comali's success. His mentorship and encouragement to budding chefs on the show have endeared him to millions of viewers across the country. This Padma Shri honour not only highlights his individual excellence but also recognises his larger contribution in inspiring a new generation of chefs and elevating Indian cuisine on the global stage. Fans across the country have flooded social media with celebratory messages, hailing this award as a 'long-overdue recognition for a true culinary legend.' With this latest honour, Chef Damodharan continues to embody the spirit of culinary innovation and cultural pride, further cementing his legacy as an icon in India's gastronomic journey.
