Context and overview

DAVA-DUA PROJECT

The Dava-Dua project started in 2008 , in the Mira Datar Dargah, Mehsana district of
Gujarat, implemented by the Government of Gujarat. The shrine is known for treating un-
explained illnesses related to the world of ghosts or jinns. The DDP initiative ensured that
the visitors of the shrine also consult a psychiatrist. The project is an unique amalgamation
of religious faith healers, known as Mujavar, and psychiatrists aimed at healing addressing
mental illness. . A combination of traditional religious healing procedures (Dua) and
psychiatric treatment (Dava) is administered to patients. The goal of this integrated
approach is to treat mental illnesses from both a medical and spiritual perspective.In a span
of 8 years, the initiative has reached almost 38,500 patients (who visited the shrine). Due
to the model’s success, it was also implemented in Hyderabad, Telangana, and Erwadi,
Tamil Nadu. It offers a holistic treatment model that is culturally sensitive and widely
accessible.

HEALING PRACTICES AT THE BALAJI TEMPLE

A prominent therapeutic centre for psychological disorders in India's folk/traditional

mental health practices is the Balaji temple in Rajasthan. This temple, which has its roots
in religious lifeways, uses a variety of severe physical and spiritual disciplines to treat
patients based on the aetiologies of supernatural afflictions. (sood) The case study
highlights a shift towards scientific psychiatry that ignores the cultural and spiritual
aspects of mental health care in India and explores the declining significance of traditional
rituals in the years following the implementation of policies influenced by the Global
Mental Health movement. The Writ Petition Civil No. 562 of 2001 (Government of India,
2004), brought by the civil society group called Saarthak, was another series of initiatives
carried out in conjunction with the Supreme Court's directions. Early in2002, the Supreme
Court of India , in an order dated February 5, 2002, banned the traditional mental health
practices. In Balaji many important healing rites that were considered "violent" and
"harmful" were also banned in later years.

Compare and contrast the practices in both the cases

through the lens of a social psychologist

From a sociological perspective, an analysis and contrast of the methodologies employed

in the Gujarat,s Dava-Dua Project (DDP) at Mira Datar Dargah and the Balaji temple in
Rajasthan provide valuable insights into the influence of cultural, religious, and societal
factors on approaches to mental health treatment, community engagement, and the
acceptance of diverse healing modalities. These two instances demonstrate the intricate
relationship between traditional healing practices and contemporary psychiatric
interventions within the framework of Indian culture. Furthermore, they also highlight
distinct approaches and the diverse outcomes of global mental health programs.

 India is a country celebrated for its rich cultural fabric, characterized by a multitude
of diverse traditions. The country has deep-rooted spiritual practices dating back to
ancient times, earning it the reputation of attending to people of diverse religions
and cultures. This cultural heterogeneity has significant implications for the
healthcare system in India. In various regions of the nation, a wide array of both
modern and traditional healers can be found, strategically offering solutions for
mental health disorders.
Both, the models, Rajasthan and, Gujarat follow a holistic approach to mental
illness care but, The Dava and Dua Project in Gujarat is an intentional effort to
integrate modern psychiatric care with conventional faith healing, engaging
proactively with healthcare professionals and organizations. This initiative aims to
bridge the gap between cultural healing traditions and medical practices based on
empirical evidence.
 Conversely, the Balaji temple in Rajasthan has historically emphasized spiritual and
religious healing practices, which have experienced modifications in response to
external pressures, particularly legal and policy measures, rather than through a
systematic integration with modern psychiatry.

 Healing methods in India are greatly influenced by cultural and spiritual beliefs.
These ideas shape how mental disorders are seen, understood, and treated, which
affects how people and their families go about seeking support. The research on
therapeutic settings also emphasises how history, environment, locations, attitudes,
philosophy, and practices have a significant impact on traditional medicinal systems,
such as Rongoā Māori.
Traditional healing in both situations (Rajasthan and Gujarat model) includes
traditions and practices based on supernatural causes of illness and religious
doctrine. The community's traditional rituals are deeply rooted in its spiritual and
cultural life, providing not just healing but also a feeling of identity and belonging.
These two examples show that traditional therapeutic methods can reduce the
stigma attached to mental health problems. They have made care more accessible to
those who may otherwise put off getting treatment out of fear of social rejection by
offering an avenue to ask for support in a way that is acceptable in their culture and
aligns with their faith and beliefs.
 Global mental health initiatives, Supreme court writs, have had a more direct impact
on the traditions at the Balaji temple, changing or eliminating some of the traditional
rituals. On the other hand, the Gujarat initiative more closely corresponds with global
mental health aims while maintaining cultural sensitivity through the deliberate fusion
of traditional and modern approaches. The eclectic healing model draws attention to
the variety and complexity of therapeutic modalities, highlighting the necessity for an
integrated strategy that respects cultural norms and takes into account the limitations
of contemporary psychiatric care in remote and indigenous communities.

CRITICALLY analyse the both the models as a student

of Social Psychology having an understanding of etiological factors
contributing to Psychopathology
BLAJI TEMPLE, Rajasthan

With a primary focus on the exorcism of demons said to possess people and create a
variety of mental problems, the Balaji temple in Rajasthan is well known for its innovative
approach to treating mental health concerns. Thousands of devotees seeking healing from
psychiatric ailments go to the temple, where practices are firmly ingrained in the religious
and cultural traditions of the area. The effectiveness of the activities at the Balaji temple
from a biological standpoint still uncertain despite their cultural and religious significance.
The belief that mental health problems are caused by spirit possession might discourage
people from obtaining evidence-based psychiatric therapies, which could cause a delay in
receiving the necessary therapy. The notion that mental illness results from spirit
possession can stigmatise mental health issues by feeding misunderstandings and causing
incorrect diagnoses.

Etiological Factors

In this perspective, the Balaji temple's belief in spirit possession and the effectiveness of
exorcism highlights the cultural root of mental illnesses. These ideas influence how mental
illness is perceived, not just as a biological imbalance but also as a sign of a spiritual or
supernatural ailment. This cultural viewpoint can affect how each person perceives their
symptoms, how they understand their level of discomfort, and how they go about getting
treatment.

Social factors that contribute to mental health difficulties are also reflected in the
community aspect of therapeutic rituals at the Balaji temple. Diverse and ancient countries
like ours, have a stigma attached to mental illness, which makes people turn to traditional
or religious healing centres for assistance in order to avoid being classified as having a
psychiatric problem. On the other hand, the communal healing ritual experience can
provide a feeling of affiliation with the community and area practices.

DAVA-DUA PROJECT, Gujarat

The Dava and Dua Project is culturally competent, as it respects and incorporates the
religious and spiritual beliefs of the community into the healing process. This
approach can enhance the acceptability and effectiveness of psychiatric treatments
among populations that may otherwise be reluctant to seek medical help due to
cultural or religious reasons.

By addressing both the spiritual and medical aspects of mental health, the project
offers a more holistic care model. This comprehensive approach can lead to better
outcomes by catering to the multifaceted nature of mental health issues

The Dava and Dua Project acknowledges the complex etiology of mental health issues by
addressing both biological and psychosocial factors. The project recognizes that mental
health disorders can stem from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and
psychological factors. By offering psychiatric medication, the project addresses the
biological aspect of mental disorders. Simultaneously, through spiritual healing and
community support, it attends to the psychological and social dimensions of mental health,
such as emotional distress, social stigma, and the need for belonging and spiritual
fulfillment

VALUATE the dichotomy between traditional

healing practices and modern medicine in treating mental illnesses

Traditional Healing Practices

Strengths:

The holistic perspective of traditional healing embraces the physical, emotional, spiritual, and
social dimensions of an individual's well-being. This inclusive approach proves particularly
effective in addressing the complex nature of mental illnesses.Cultural competence is a
hallmark of traditional healing methods, deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of the patient.
This cultural resonance renders these practices more culturally appropriate and acceptable to
individuals and communities, ultimately bolstering the therapeutic relationship and treatment
adherence.

Traditional healing practices often incorporate community engagement, fostering robust

social support networks that may be lacking in modern medicine. This communal
involvement fosters a sense of community and shared experiences, contributing to the
therapeutic process.

Limitations:

One of the challenges of traditional healing practices lies in the absence of standardized
protocols, unlike the structured approach of modern medicine. This lack of uniformity can
result in variations in treatment effectiveness and safety, posing difficulties in assessing and
ensuring the quality of care provided.

While certain traditional healing modalities have garnered empirical support, many lack
scientific validation their efficacy. This evidential gap presents obstacles in the integration of
traditional healing practices into conventional healthcare systems.

Modern Medicine

Strengths:

Evidence-Based Treatments: Modern psychiatric care is largely evidence-based, relying on

scientific research to guide diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental illnesses. This
approach ensures that interventions are backed by data demonstrating their efficacy and
safety.Modern medical practices are standardized and regulated, ensuring consistent quality
of care across providers and settings. This standardization supports the replication of
treatment success and patient safety.

The benefits from continuous research and development, leading to new and improved
treatments for mental illnesses. This commitment to innovation can provide more effective
options for patients over time.

Limitations:

Biomedical Focus: Modern medicine often emphasizes the biological aspects of mental
illness, sometimes at the expense of holistic care. This focus can overlook the emotional,
spiritual, and social dimensions of well-being that are crucial in mental health.

The scientific and universal approach of modern medicine may not align with the cultural
beliefs and personal values of all patients. This disconnect can hinder the therapeutic
relationship and affect treatment adherence.
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