2006 Rally for Recovery
Stop Stigma. Save Lives.
In 2006, ASHA International launched the Rally for Recovery World Tour in collaboration with the Schizophrenia Awareness Association in Pune, India, the Richmond Fellowship Society, India, and the Indian Psychiatric Society-Karnataka State Branch.
What people are saying…
“The Rally for Recovery was touching, moving and mesmerizing for the patients, the caregivers, the social workers, the psychiatrists and the general audience. The mesmerizing spell of the Rally lasted for many weeks after the program was over.”
“It was my dream to be an architect. Due to my illness, this dream had turned to ashes. But, new hope has arisen like a phoenix out of these ashes. Today’s program and Gayathri have inspired me to fly again!”
Altaf Sheikh
“Gayathri is truly a strong, powerful and unstoppable Lighthouse of Hope & Reintegration in the midst of darkness, rough rocks and lashing waves.”
Gurudatt Kundapurkar
“Gayathri led from the front. She spoke with authenticity, radiated confidence and held out hope. She was an inspiration to all of us.”
Ravi
“Gayathri...when I first spoke to her over the phone, her voice said 'I care’,
when I saw her walk through the door the first time, I saw the letters 'H','O','P','E' accompany her, when she gave me a hug, I know she said 'I am here'.
She is truly 'unbelievably believable'! I was going through a rough patch throughout, but with her voice, her presence and her touch, it just made all the difference to me. It definitely inspired me to move on and aim for a mission in my life too!”
Reshma Valliappan
“Gayathri with her inner strength and by her gutsy way has made promoting mental health her life’s work. She has a brilliant ability to convey her message to people suffering from mental illness to develop their coping skills.”
“I just got back home, feeling the immense impact of the program on all those present, me included. Thanks for making it possible and we are very pleased to be associated with the event.”
“I think for the first time an audience of about 200 containing eminent psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric social workers along with families’ listened with rapt attention to the VOICES of the treated mentally ill - A very informative evening for everyone who took part.”
“Gayathri has shown by her own example that the toughest hardships can be overcome by sheer determination. She is a beacon of light for those who suffer from mental illness. Through her efforts she proves that tough times don’t last but tough persons do!”
Raghunath Acharya
“Gayathri has all the essential qualities for becoming an ideal role model for persons recovering from mental illness. She was open about events in her past, has genuine desire to help people suffering from mental illness, and readily shares coping strategies, learned through her own experience through mental illness. She has the stamina and energy to continue and demonstrated skills to inspire.”
Anil Vartak
“That Gayathri could open out and share personal experiences, keeping away stigma, even before strangers shows her inner strength & determination to help others all over the world in recovering from mental illness. SMART Strats being interactive and beneficial both to people with mental illness and their care-givers, the workshop deserves an entire day for it. Rally for Recovery is commendable!”
Neelima Bapat
“Gayathri brought out a powerful message that every individual has a candle in his/her heart and he/she possesses a potential to light candles in others’ hearts. Even neglected seeds in the earth sprout when it rains. Gayathri came like a rain and kindled hope in the lives of those suffering from mental illness.”
Smita Godse.
“Being a veteran of 'bipolar mood disorder' for well over three decades, I truly wondered about how Gayathri avoids falling out of her winning mode. Now I know from her that she does struggle every month with the downs... but she has learned the superb art of 'riding' her cycles! I have the greatest respect for this wonderful achievement of hers.”
Mira Sadgopal, Pune
“Gayathri in her journey from trauma to triumph is convinced that the world is full of winds of hope. She is now on journey to tell others having mental disorders to unfurl their sails and ride on the winds of hope to their goal like a normal person.”
Haribhau Athawale.
“It was only when I met and saw you in action, Gayathri, did the little apprehension about ‘typical yankee hype,’ in the back of my mind simply vanish. “Here’s is a real shaker and mover in the sluggish and dubious self-help arena of mental health,” I said. To strengthen and support a cause, genuinely driven by your global commitment, is to be a willing partner in the well-deserved & gigantic task. Good luck & god-speed, indeed, Gayathri!”
Gurudatt Kundapurkar
JOIN the Rally for Recovery!
If you or your organization is interested in collaborating with ASHA International in presenting the Rally for Recovery, please e-mail gayathri@myasha.org
To view the Rally for Recovery Menu of Programs, please click here…