Hear from the survivors
Let the survivors tell you how reaching out is a step in the right direction
People from different walks of life share their experiences of going through a mental trauma in order to shatter the stigma and increase awareness about triggers and symptoms of mental health illnesses.
What the experts say
Valuable insights and information from mental health experts
Mental health professionals and experts share their knowledge and experiences, in an attempt to break the stigma and increase awareness on all things mental health.
From the experts
IDFC FIRST Bank x BALM - A conversation on Mental Health in an Unequal World
Financial strain, homelessness, & sexual orientation are just a few of many inequalities that profoundly affect mental well-being. IDFC FIRST Bank, in partnership with experts from the BALM Academy, indulged in an open conversation to raise awareness about mental health inequality to contribute towards creating a world where everyone finds peace & happiness.
The Spotlight
Bringing conversations about mental health out in the open, where they belong.
The Pandemic Has Highlighted Several New Nuances In Mental Health
The Reading Nook
January 13, 2021
In the first quarter of 2020 as life slipped into pandemic protocols and lockdown, one sector that saw a major paradigm…
Toxic Positivity – The Negative Side Of Positivity
The Reading Nook
January 12, 2021
Staying optimistic and having a positive attitude isn’t bad. But too much sugar in a bitter pill is nothing but…
Mental Health 101: A Guide To The Basics Of Mental Health
The Reading Nook
January 12, 2021
Of late, we as a country have taken steps to raise awareness about mental health in India. And there are many instances…
Self Care Practices To Improve Mental Health
The Reading Nook
January 12, 2021
In uncertain times like these, it is necessary to make time for your mental health and give your mind the care and…
Worldwide We Have Seen a Threefold Increase In Psychological Distress
The Reading Nook
December 25, 2020
In the first quarter of 2020 as life slipped into pandemic protocols and lockdown, one sector that saw a major paradigm…
Parents Make Special Education Work For Kids Amid COVID-19
The Reading Nook
December 25, 2020
In the first quarter of 2020 as life slipped into pandemic protocols and lockdown, one sector that saw a major paradigm…
Mental Health Myths We Need to Leave Behind in 2020
The Reading Nook
December 22, 2020
Over the years we've made significant progress in getting conversations about Mental Health out in the open. However,…
9 Mental Health New Year’s Resolutions for 2021
The Reading Nook
December 22, 2020
2020 has been an eventful year, to put it mildly. This year brought with it a slew of challenges and changes to life as…
Special Education In India Finds Opportunity In Adversity
The Reading Nook
November 14, 2020
The Covid-induced lockdown has affected children with special needs in a profound way. However, adversity has brought…
Festival Details

We hope that the workshops and activities were able to guide and help you in the journey towards mental wellness.
Caring For Caregivers
Hosted by: Jerry Pinto (Novelist, Journalist)
Date: 17th January 2021
Time: 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
What: An in-depth look at the experiences of the caregivers of people with mental health conditions – the challenges they face, how to cope with caregiver stress and self-care tools to manage the emotional and physical difficulties a caregiver goes through.
Writing for the Meh
Hosted by: Adwaita Das (Author, Artist, Creative Facilitator at Mithra Trust)
Date: 17th January 2021
Time: 2:00 P.M. -3:00 P.M.
What: This session equips you with techniques for mindful writing, along with simple exercises and prompts to connect with your inner self and process your emotions by putting pen to paper.
My Imaginary Friend & I
Hosted by: Reshma Valliappan (Artist, Activist, Influencer)
Date: 17th January 2021
Time: 3:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.
What: An intimate and impactful performance-based session which takes a look at the struggles experienced by someone living with a mental disorder.
Music For Wellness
Hosted by: Ananyaa Gaur (Multi-disciplinary Artist, facilitator & researcher)
Date: 17th January 2021
Time: 5:00 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.
What: An interactive workshop designed to introduce participants to the therapeutic and healing powers of music. Explore how music can help facilitate relaxation, reduce anxiety and enhance mental health.
MARM - The Mystery Within
Hosted by: Swarali Marathe (Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Theatre Professional)
Date: 16th January 2021
Time: 10:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.
What: An experiential Self-Awareness Workshop designed to help you discover and truly understand the self within, in a non-judgemental and safe environment.
Doodles for the Meh
Hosted by: Adwaita Das (Author, Artist, Creative Facilitator at Mithra Trust)
Date: 16th January 2021
Time: 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
What: A free flowing session which teaches you how to pour your heart out and express yourself on paper by creating fun, practical and simple doodles.
Storytelling Through Art
Hosted by: Reshma Valliappan (Artist, Activist, Influencer)
Date: 16th January 2021
Time: 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
What: An interactive session where the audience is guided through the process of creating an engaging story through artwork.