CHANDIGARH,,16.09.22-This oration described the efforts in research and care programmes of the Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF) in Chennai. SCARF is a not-for-profit NGO established in 1984. As the co-Founder, then Director for 23 years and now its Vice Chairman, Dr. Thara Rangaswamy has played major role in shaping the activities of SCARF. One priority was to conduct research into the several facets of schizophrenia and other severe mental disorders.

In countries like India, where it is difficult to find research funding, it is essential that the results of research feed into service delivery programmes and ultimately help persons with mental disorders and their families. In her oration, Dr. Thara discussed how exactly she and her team did this at SCARF. This is especially true of the many community based programmes such as the mobile tele psychiatry initiative we launched. The challenges in pursuing research were also discussed. It was a nearly 40 years' journey - of agony but also of ecstasy!