Keshav Desiraju
Memorial Award

The Centre for Mental Health Law & Policy, ILS, Pune, in association with Thakur Family Foundation, are pleased to announce the ‘Keshav Desiraju memorial award for outstanding public service in mental health, 2022.’

  • About the award
  • 2022

    • About Keshav Desiraju

    Keshav Desiraju (1955- 2021) former Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India (2013-14) was a member of the Indian Administrative Service who served in multiple positions throughout his long and illustrious career in the Union government as well as the government of Uttarakhand. He was recognized for his significant contributions to various fields within the health sector in the country by drafting path-breaking legislations, establishing technical committees and strengthening governance systems. His work focused on issues of public health, primary health care, mental health and disability.

    His contributions to the field of mental health stood out, where he was instrumental in advancing mental health in India. Recognizing poverty and deprivation as predictors for poor health outcomes, he understood mental health as an issue of social justice and worked to hold the state accountable. Through building the National Mental Health Policy, he emphasised mental health care as a basic right for every citizen. He was an “architect” and “the driving force” of the country’s Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, widely regarded as bold and progressive legislation.

    Through his work to build a more just, equitable and caring country, Mr. Desiraju dedicated his life to serving society, leaving behind a legacy. 

    More about Keshav Desiraju

    About the Award

    The ‘Keshav Desiraju memorial award for outstanding public service in mental health’ aims to recognize the contribution and efforts of individuals in government service who embody similar values as Mr. Desiraju and through their work, are regarded as allies in making advances in the field of mental health in India.

    The award will honour one individual for the year 2022 with:

    • Plaque with citation
    • Cash prize of Rs. 50,000

    The award will be announced on 11 May 2022 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mr. Desiraju.

    Eligibility Criteria

      • A person who presently holds, or has held in the past, a position in the Union Government or State Government by appointment

    Examples:
    Medical officers, Programme Coordinators, Secretary or Joint-Secretaries of Ministries and Departments, Officers on Special Duty, Deputy Director for Mental Health, etc

      • Demonstrable work or contributions by the individual to advance the field of mental health in India

    Examples:
    improved mental health indicators in state/district, introduction of new schemes/ programmes for persons with mental illness, initiatives to improve the implementation of the MHCA/DMHP, etc

    About the memento

    The memento seeks to encapsulate the
    multifaceted and passionate person Mr Keshav
    Desiraju was. It depicts an organic form—unfurling
    and flowing, reflecting his generosity and spirit

    A memento designed in honour of Mr Keshav Desiraju, by artist and sculptor Abir Patwardhan

    The Jury

    Ms. K. Sujatha Rao

    FORMER UNION SECRETARY

    Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,
    Government of India

    Mr. Amitabha Bhattacharya

    FORMER PRINCIPAL ADVISOR (EDU. & CULTURE)

    Planning Commission,
    Government of India

    Dr Anant Bhan

    GLOBAL HEALTH RESEARCHER

    Lead, Sangath
    (Bhopal Hub)

    How to Apply

    Individuals may nominate other individuals in their network or themselves if they meet the eligibility criteria.

    Last date to apply:

    15th April 2022

    Apply Here

    For any queries, you may write us at:
    [email protected]