Into Their Stories

Adarsh's narrative unravels the interplay between mental health and the world around him, as well as the blurred lines between physical and mental health.

"Knowing that I have a value, that if I wasn't there, someone would be sad, that gives me joy."

“This library is my brainchild. I was involved from the start and had to put one piece at a time and build it. I will always have that attachment to this library.”

Pradeep Kumar is a lab technician in the School of Chemistry at IISER TVM and his journey is emblematic of the highs and lows of a career in science.

"I should be in control of my diabetes; diabetes shouldn't be in control of me."

“Diabetes is not a disease, it is a condition”.

“What I was feeling then, I can't relate to now. I can't even imagine it.”

“My dysphoria was also at an all-time high during the pandemic.”

“My ID number is 03. I was the third non-teaching staff to join IISER.”

“What started with just 14 students in a transit campus has now grown into a lovely campus with numerous facilities and scores of students from diverse backgrounds”.

“It’s a joy to recognize students and to even remember everyone’s name and I get so much affection from all the students”.

“It’s like your body is autonomous, but I am on manual mode.”

Adarsh’s story began with a subtle unravelling around 8th grade when he found himself battling unease when the lights went out.

“You’re going there for mental health care at a vulnerable stage & the people who are there to care for you are rude, aggravating the whole situation.”

We hope his journey has inspired you to be passionate in what you pursue, be resourceful under changing circumstances and to keep some side projects that give you joy.

“The happiest moment in my life was the birth of my son. Then getting the job.[at IISER]”

“I really enjoy working in the lab and this is where I am the happiest”.

"At 16, if you get to know that you can't have a burger, pizza, Coca Cola, can't party with your friends, at that age you will not accept it. Over all that, you have to take insulin."