The award was given away by IMA’s Kodambakkam branch. M. Arunachalam, its former president and N. Deivanayagam, former director, Institute of Child Health were among others who were present on the occasion.

The Hindu dated 29 September 2015

Dr. Gauthamadas noted that there needs to be more awareness among people on mental health.

“Depression is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed illness today. People fail to understand that it can be easily treated within a few weeks if diagnosed early,” he said.

“People often think depression arises out of difficult situations in life. But think again, everyone has problems. People with depression only think the problems are intense and hard to handle,” he said.

He has been chosen for the award for his contribution to psychosocial intervention in disasters, public awareness on mental health, service to patients and medical education.

He has helped set up and teach a number of undergraduate and post graduate courses in various institutions in India, USA, and Sweden.