The one with Bhaiyya

Dear Mynd aims to create and encourage conversations around mental health. We do this through stories, through shared experiences that teach us that we are not alone.

We are, after all, our stories. And our stories are us.

This episode of Dear Mynd explores the theme of depression through the eyes of a child. ‘Who Stole Bhaiyya’s Smile’ by Sanjana Kapur is a tender, gentle and innocent exploration of this heavy subject. Along the way, the story talks about the trauma of depression, ways to give support and be a listener, and seeking help.

Details of the episode

• Depression can happen to anyone and at any time.
• The stigma surrounding mental health continues to persist and needs to be addressed strongly.
• The power of a determined sibling, friend, mother or other loved ones cannot be overstated.
• Help is always available – your fight need not be your fight alone.

Meet the host

Srividya Sivakumar has been a teacher for over twenty years.

What also occupies her mind are those magnificent things that come hardbound, within soft paperbacks, or on a device.
Books.

Yes, she’s a self-avowed bibliophile and a firm believer in the magic that 26 letters and a few punctuation marks can create.

A critically acclaimed poet, TEDx Speaker, and Voiceover Artist, Srividya believes in using her voice as a vehicle – one that drives change, sparks conversations, inspires calm, and encourages you – to slow down, one story at a time.

Author bio

Today’s story is ‘Who Stole Bhaiyya’s Smile.’ It is written by Sanjana Kapur. She says that she deals in tall tales, lively anecdotes, and big pictures. Sanjana has written a couple of picture books and comics for Amar Chitra Katha. She also co-authored Ruckus on the Road, her first full-length novel.

The story is illustrated by Sunaina Coelho.

Resources and attribution

• Who Stole Bhaiyya’s Smile? (English), written by Sanjana Kapur, illustrated by Sunaina Coelho, published by Pratham Books (© Pratham Books, 2019) under a CC BY 4.0 license, first released on StoryWeaver.
• Soundtrack courtesy Juan Sanchez Music and Lexin Music
• Suggested read – The Noonday Demon by Andrew Solomon, a memoir exploring the cultural, societal, personal, and scientific sides of depression

QOTD

Write in with some of the myths you’ve heard about depression. Let’s bust those misconceptions.

We would love to hear from you! We are at content@myndstories.com.

This podcast is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.