Meet Dr. Chandrashekar, the 'people's psychiatrist' who treated villagers in their homes in Karnataka

In 2007, Dr. Chandrashekar founded the Samadhana Counseling Trust Center, which provides free counseling services to people struggling with mental health issues.

Dr. Chandrashekar Channapatna Rajannachar, popularly known as the 'People's Psychiatrist', is a renowned psychiatrist and philanthropist from Karnataka. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, he is being honored with the prestigious Padma Shri Award 2024. Dr. Born in the city of Channapatna to jeweler BM Rajannachar, Chandrashekar completed his early education in his hometown before obtaining a degree in medicine from the Government Medical College, Bangalore. in 1973. He further specialized in the field of psychology, obtaining a degree in medicine and a doctorate in psychology in 1978. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Chandrashekar commits himself to serving the community.

He adopted several villages around Bangalore and personally visited individual households to provide treatment and raise awareness about mental health. His selfless efforts extended beyond the local community, as he served as a consultant to UNICEF, numerous NGOs and government agencies. The impact of Dr. Chandrashekar's on mental health extends far beyond his direct interactions with patients.

He was instrumental in designing training programs for counselors at the grassroots level, recognizing the importance of building a strong support system. In 2007, he founded the Samadhana Counseling Trust Centre, which offers free counseling services to people with mental health problems.

Over the years, this center has provided assistance to thousands of people and has become a beacon of hope for those in need. With his commitment to improving mental health on a larger scale, Dr. Chandrashekar has been actively involved in the training of doctors, health professionals, school and college teachers, NGOs and volunteers.

His expertise has been instrumental in the implementation of the National Mental Health Program in India, ensuring that mental health care receives the attention it deserves. In addition to his clinical work and advocacy, Dr. Chandrashekar made significant contributions to medical literature.

He has written more than 280 books in Kannada and more than 30 books in English, encouraging medical professionals to write in their mother tongue and promoting the development of medical literature in both Kannada and English. As editor of more than 100 health-related books, he has played a crucial role in spreading knowledge and raising awareness about various health issues.

At the age of 75, Dr. Chandrashekar provides free mental health care to approximately 50,000 patients and has trained more than 20,000 professionals. His dedication, compassion and unwavering commitment to mental health have made him a true inspiration and beacon of hope for countless individuals.

(With IANS inputs)