The Unapologetic Chef (from the 'Breaking the Silence' documentary series)

[@subhashsreedharan4915]

Thank you to the Viswambaran family for having the courage and being so open in this video. When its someone from your own community, it has really hit home that we cannot stand by and let things be as they are. We all need to unite and call out the outdated views that does exist in our community, both with the older and younger generations alike. We need to stop the negative reactions to individuals who want to be true to who they are. Every person has the right to be themselves, to be respected as themselves, and to be celebrated for who they are. As a community we owe it to our fellow Malayalee's, family and friends, to support each other, and to educate any person who feels its ok to discriminate. The way we can overcome this is to call out those old views and tell them that they have no place in society today, or in the future. Mental Health is something we can all commit to making a difference by being open, encourage our next generation to talk about feelings, and letting them know that there is nothing they cannot talk to us about. We need to stop the 'What will the community think' mentality, as that has no place in society any more. I hope those that affected Arun are able to reflect on their actions and change their ways. Arun's parents and family are probably going to be the conduit that evokes change in our community and I hugely respect and admire them for sharing this and raising the awareness. Like others here, I pledge my support to the family in driving awareness and to make sure that any person who is suffering from depression and wants to talk or feels discriminated, that my door is always open. Thank you for putting this video together, I will share, and use to raise awareness on real life experiences and Mental Health Awareness within my personal and professional network. Rest in Peace Arun.

[@sinharathna]

Nice to read and receive your message here. Yes we need more awareness. Thanks for sharing the video 🙏🏽

[@revilal]

Very touching video, and I'm very sorry for your loss... Your son seemed like a great kid. I think its a great idea to engage with elder members of the community to see if any would like to be a listening voice if ever someone needs one, someone who can be non-judgemental and can talk through their problems, and help realise that there is indeed malayalaee community support. I think this video may well bring some of these persons forward to help in such a manner, myself included. Rev

[@sinharathna]

Thanks for your comment 🙏🏽

[@sheebaramakrishnan6382]

Thoughts and prayers to the family. 🙏 Many thanks for sharing your experience, its definitely a heart breaking story. 😢

[@sinharathna]

Sheeba Ramakrishnan , thanks for your comment 🙏🏽

[@marshelrozario4961]

Viswambaran family. We salute you for your valour by speaking out. Now it is on cousins, family and the community to step out. In 2018 there were 6,507 suicides registered in the UK, and there are little signs of this number abating. We cannot stand by seeing other families and communities being shattered. Allow me to echo the key message from this very poignant video. 1) Let us all increase our own awareness on Mental Health. 2) We need to talk and talk and raise the awareness on Mental Health as often as we can so it is not a taboo subject anymore. We should only rest when we are all able to communicate Mental Health as openly as physical illness. 3) Please check on and allow others to share their concerns. A problem shared is a problem halved.

[@sinharathna]

Thanks For your comment. Yes .. we need more awareness of mental health 👍🏾

[@ramyapillayify]

I am so grateful to you for sharing this 🙏 Its all good reading about mental health issues, but seeing the devastation it causes really hits home. As a parent myself and someone who has suffered in the clutches of depression in the past, I can relate to both sides of the story. I feel sorry for the parents, especially dad for the guilt and pain he is living with. If he could read this message, I'd say he did the best he could from what he knew. There is no doubt in my mind that if he was fully aware of the result his beliefs were causing he would have reacted differently in a heartbeat. We all make decisions with what seems right in the moment, hindsight is a handicap that keeps us from moving forward. Let this be the inspiration that saves lives 🙏

[@sinharathna]

Ramya Pillay , appreciated your comment 🙏🏽

[@ujam00]

So sad, this is a powerful video and I hope people will learn from this. Arun had a tough time dealing with his own sexuality and it is shame that he did not get the right help from his doctor and the community. People should not judge others for sexuality, race or colour as we are not in the dark ages anymore. All my thoughts are with the parents and sister. God bless🙏

[@sinharathna]

Thanks for your comment 🙏🏽

[@charlottejohnson3230]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Definitely helps me understand how to deal with someone who may have mental health. Sorry for your loss, you are not to blame. RIP Arun ❤️

[@sinharathna]

Charlotte Johnson , thanks for your comment ❤️

[@anilgopalakrishnan6809]

Incredibly touching and very brave of the parents and sister to spread awareness on mental wealth. They spoke so honestly about their experiences and shortcomings and highlighted the importance of boroughs being sufficiently funded to review vulnerable individuals. Therapy/counselling does work and people should feel no shame in seeking it as and when they need. I hope this video inspires positive changes and helps others to seek help and for us to take time in reaching out to those we feel may be struggling. Well done to all involved in the making of this video! Please can someone share the name of the charity that has been set up by the family.

[@sinharathna]

Thanks for your comment, it means a lot. Name of the charity is ‘’Arun Embrace’

[@sriasokkumar6908]

Very heart touching video. Arun be happy wherever you are🙏🏻

[@sinharathna]

sri asokkumar , thanks for your comment

[@shajishajipavumba3150]

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