The Banyan Tree symbolises shelter, support and hope. In Chennai an organisation called The Banyan has been providing all this and much more to destitute and mentally challenged women. And those who have nurtured this tree are Vandana Gopikumar and Vaishnavi Jayakumar, two women who have opted to devote their lives to this cause.

A Non-Government Organisation, The Banyan has reached out to more than 300 mentally ill destitute women abandoned on the streets of Chennai. Currently it houses 80 women, and 220 inmates have been successfully rehabilitated and reunited with their families since the inception of this organisation.

What inspired them to take this step? It was bitter reality that drove Vandana and Vaishnavi to realise their dream ahead of its time. Says Vandana "When visiting Vaishnavi my close friend in college, I witnessed society's indifference to the plight of a naked, mentally ill destitute woman, lying in absolute distress outside the campus". While the college authorities proved helpful, mental health organisations and NGO's were reluctant to admit this lady in desperate need of medical and psychiatric attention. "One finally did admit her but a subsequent follow-up visit revealed her absence and the woman was again back on the streets. This left us disillusioned".

Getting started was no easy task. "To start with, convincing our parents was very difficult. Although there was no opposition from our families, there was apprehension and doubt". Now, eight years down the line, The Banyan has grown with the financial, emotional and physical support of their families.

Vandana and Vaishnavi have both received a number of awards in recognition of their services. They assert, "There is no greater happiness for us than receiving letters from the families of these women, grateful for the return of a family member".

"Most of the women who come to us are physically and mentally abused. Their self-esteem is very low. After they have been washed and fed and medically treated they are taught skills to earn some money. Then, efforts are made to trace the woman's family to reunite them. Follow-up is conducted for life along with free supply of medicines and frequent psychiatric evaluations".

Individualisation, not institutionalisation is their belief. We believe in - 'I exist, therefore I am'. Such people exist, and they have a right to everything like any of us".

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