Late Dr Mambalikalathil Sarada Menon is India's first woman psychiatrist and the longest-serving head of the Institute of Mental Health. She has been an amazing teacher, and her enthusiasm for learning new things is phenomenal. Prof. Sarada wore many hats. From being a social worker to heading institutions, she worked tirelessly towards the betterment of society. She firmly believed in being independent and encouraged individuals to lead active lives.

HER Contribution to Healthcare Landscape in India ;

In 1984, she founded Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), a Chennai-based nongovernmental organization working for the rehabilitation of people afflicted with schizophrenia and other mental disorders. Over the years, SCARF has developed into a full-fledged research base. And this is one of the few Indian institutions that the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised as a Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Research and Training. She has been instrumental in establishing outpatient facilities for regional psychiatric centres at all the district hospitals in Tamil Nadu state.

Change-Making Positions Held ;

* Founded Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), a Chennai-based NGO.
* She founded ASHA, a community-based platform supporting the families of those affected by mental illnesses.

Laurels Brought to Dr M. Sarada Menon ;

* Conferred Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1992.
* Awarded with Special Award of the International Association of Psycho-Social Rehabilitation, Boston.
* Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award of Madras Neuro Trust in 2013 Government of Tamil Nadu.
* Honoured with Avvaiyyar Award in 2016.

Impact Brought in the Lives of Common Indians ;

Dr Menon's efforts in bringing the treatment of psychiatry to the fore were instrumental. She redefined a new dimension of treatment for patients suffering from psychiatric disorders. She brought to discussion how to facilitate the treatment of mental health issues that a common Indian faces.