House of Hibiscus
PARTNERS
Adaiyalam was never meant to be walked alone.
Every movement rooted in truth, identity, and care needs hands to hold it, voices to amplify it, and hearts to believe in it. Our partners are exactly that — changemakers, listeners, storytellers, advocates, and guides — who have come together to co-create a space that honours both mental health and cultural memory.
This page is a tribute to those who saw possibility in the pause. Who recognized that healing doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens in community.
Each organization, collective, and collaborator featured here brings their own unique rhythm to the Adaiyalam symphony — from mental health services and grassroots networks, to artists, educators, and researchers — they remind us that collective care is not just a dream, but a direction.
We thank them for walking this journey with us.
Because to stand for mental health is to stand for dignity, identity, and the right to feel fully human.
HOSTS OF THE EVENT
In association with
Every movement begins with a spark — and this one began with a question: What would it look like if healing had a festival?
That spark came from a conversation between two organizations deeply rooted in the belief that mental health must be seen, felt, and celebrated — not whispered about in silence.
So, here we are, hosting Adaiyalam, Chennai's Mental Health Fest 2025 in association with Youth for Mental Health Foundation (YMHF).
As India’s leading youth-led mental health organization, YMHF brings to this festival its vision, its voice, and its lived commitment to advocacy, intervention, and research. Their early ideation and strategic guidance helped shape the soul of Adaiyalam — from concept to reality.
In collaboration with
THERASPACE
With a passion for creativity and connection, Firefly lights up the festival with experiences that inspire curiosity, expression, and joy. Their work invites participants to explore new perspectives, celebrate individuality, and connect through shared moments of discovery.
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THE MIND AND COMPANY
Your Peace, Our Purpose
The Mind and Company is making mental health feel real, accessible, and deeply personal for individuals, corporates, and educational institutions.
With a growing team of 85+ members, MICO blends technology and the human touch to support people through whatever life throws their way.
Schizophrenia Research Foundation
(SCARF India)
Schizophrenia Research Foundation is a voluntary, non-profit organisation established in 1984, committed to Mental Health
Schizophrenia Research Foundation-Youth Mental Health (SCARF-YMH)
SCARF YMH IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION FOCUSED SPECIALLY FOR THE YOUNG MINDS TO COPE WITH MENTAL HEALTH.
We conduct research that helps to find and create change in the society. Directly working with the youth and their families helps in developing different approaches to providing solutions to treatment and caregiving. Our programs and initiatives are set to fulfill the motive of creating awareness and empowering the youth and their caregivers to help with their mental health issues.
Resource Center for Youth Mental Health by SCARF (pronounced rYms) is a project aimed at providing a safe space for the youth (ages 15-25) to engage with each other, create an environment for caring for themselves and their peers, and learn about mental wellbeing.
Dementia Care in SCARF
Dementia Care in SCARF (DEMCARES) is a project of Schizophrenia Research Foundation India, a leading non-governmental organisation in mental health care and research in Chennai, India.
IMAARA SURVIVOR SUPPORT FOUNDATION
Imara brings its commitment to growth, wellbeing, and meaningful connection to the festival, creating opportunities for participants to engage with themselves and their communities in deeper, more intentional ways. Their presence adds a thoughtful layer of reflection, resilience, and empowerment to the festival experience.
ROOTED CONNECTIONS
Rooted Connection enriches the festival with experiences centered on belonging, presence, and authentic relationships. Their work reminds us that meaningful connection is at the heart of individual and collective wellbeing.
SQUIGGLESBYRAM
Squiggle by Ram brings a playful and imaginative visual language to the festival. Through art that sparks curiosity and conversation, they create moments of delight while encouraging participants to see beauty and possibility in everyday experiences.
SUGI'S SKETCHES
Sugi’s sketches is an art platform curated by Sugithaa Paraman, a counselling psychologist by profession. She expresses mental health awareness and snippets of emotions through her art.
At Adaiyalam, she aims to show people her art, which could help them relate to aspects of mental health awareness.
STUDIO ŪDA
Studio Ūda is a homegrown design studio from Chennai that celebrates South Indian identity, nostalgia, and emotional expression.
Their work connects to youth mental health by creating tools and tactile experiences that encourage reflection, connection, and self-expression especially in Tamil and South Indian cultural contexts where emotions are often internalised or left unsaid. Through language, colour, and memory, Studio Ūda hopes to gently decolonize how we relate to ourselves and others
STAGE AND STANCE CO.
Stage and Stance brings the power of voice, performance, and self-expression to the festival. Through their work, participants are invited to step into confidence, share their stories, and celebrate the courage it takes to be seen and heard.
FIREFLY
Firefly Wellbeing creates safe, fun spaces where people can open up, let loose, and feel seen. At our stall, you’ll find interactive activities, self-reflection products, and small moments of connection.
They believe healing happens in community — through conversations, awareness, and knowing you’re not alone. Their work blends mental health awareness with culture, youth-friendly events, and simple tools anyone can use to care for themselves.
For them, decolonial healing means bringing mental health to everyday spaces, conversations, and traditions, instead of keeping it locked in therapy rooms.
NALANDAWAY
NalandaWay Foundation brings the transformative power of the arts to the festival, highlighting how creativity can nurture wellbeing, confidence, and self-expression. Their presence celebrates the role of art in helping individuals and communities thrive.
THE BANYAN
The Banyan Collective is an employment initiative that creates meaningful work opportunities for people with psychosocial disabilities and those who have experienced homelessness. The organization offers job placements across diverse sectors including housekeeping, healthcare, data entry, and arts and crafts, with roles carefully matched to individual interests and abilities.
Through strategic partnerships with businesses, The Banyan Collective ensures sustainable employment pathways for marginalized individuals, focusing on consistent job placement and ongoing support. The initiative addresses employment barriers faced by people with disabilities, promoting both economic independence and social inclusion for this underserved community.
WORDS BY G2
Words by G2 brings stories, reflections, and meaningful conversations into the festival space. Through the power of language and storytelling, they create opportunities for participants to connect with ideas, emotions, and one another.
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SHRAVYAA WELLNESS AND THE FUN CLASS
Shravya Wellness brings a holistic perspective on wellbeing to the festival, encouraging participants to slow down, reconnect, and prioritize self-care. Their presence adds a nurturing dimension that supports balance, mindfulness, and personal growth.
THE LOVE HOPE COMPANY
Love Hope Company brings warmth, compassion, and purpose to the festival. Rooted in the belief that hope and kindness can create lasting impact, their work inspires participants to engage with empathy, generosity, and community spirit.