Livelihoods - Case Study

Shekar, aged 60, lives in South India. He is unmarried and has been living alone since the death of his parents ten years ago. He had attended the community mental health camp organised by GASS a few years back and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Later, he worked as a volunteer for the community mental health project of GASS.

He is interested and passionate about playing the flute. He was earning his living by teaching music in schools. However, during the Covid pandemic, his work was disrupted, and his income paused. Shekar approached GASS for support and he was provided with a laptop after receiving online training. He quickly adapted, offering online music classes to school children and started earning again. Now, with schools reopened, he continues to teach both online and in person. The laptop boosted both his income and confidence.

In 2019, Shekar attended GASS’s Mental Health Champions training. He now shares his story and flute performances at small gatherings as a guest influencer. His strong rapport with GASS led to his appointment as a member of the Board of Directors of GASS in 2020, where he remains an active member.