Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar hosts happiness carnival to promote mental well-being

Recognising that emotional well-being is integral to personal growth and academic success, Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, organised a week-long ‘Happiness Carnival’ to mark World Mental Health Month. Held under the visionary guidance of Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra, the initiative was organised by the Department of Psychology and the Psychology Forum to encourage open conversations about mental health, promote emotional awareness and create a more empathetic campus environment.

Centred on the theme ‘Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change’, the carnival provided students with opportunities to express themselves, share personal experiences and explore different dimensions of happiness and emotional well-being. The theme underscored the importance of listening to individual experiences, acknowledging diverse emotional journeys and fostering an environment where people feel comfortable discussing their mental health.

The week-long celebration featured a thoughtfully curated range of activities, including happiness interviews, a happiness-sharing campaign, poetry recitations, musical performances, open-mic sessions and creative stalls. These activities encouraged students to participate, connect with one another and express their thoughts and emotions through different creative mediums. The happiness-sharing campaign, in particular, highlighted how simple gestures, positive interactions and shared experiences can contribute to a more supportive community.

The carnival also incorporated psychological assessments, enabling participants to gain insights into different aspects of their emotional and psychological well-being. By bringing such activities into the campus environment, the initiative sought to make conversations around mental health more accessible and help students recognise the importance of understanding their emotions.

A key highlight of the event was an Expressive Arts Therapy Workshop conducted by Ms. Niharika Mazumdar. The workshop introduced participants to the role of creative expression in exploring emotions and supporting psychological well-being. It highlighted how art and other expressive forms can offer individuals meaningful ways to communicate feelings that may sometimes be difficult to articulate through words.

Interactive sessions led by counsellors and psychologists further enriched the carnival. Discussions focused on emotional awareness, healthy coping mechanisms and the need to challenge common misconceptions surrounding mental health. Participants were encouraged to understand their emotional responses, develop constructive ways of dealing with stress and recognise that seeking support is a positive step towards well-being.

Appreciating the initiative, Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra emphasised that educational institutions have a responsibility that extends beyond academic instruction. She highlighted the need to nurture students’ mental and emotional health, empathy and overall development, noting that a supportive learning environment plays a significant role in shaping confident and well-rounded individuals.

Through the Happiness Carnival, Apeejay College of Fine Arts reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a campus culture built on understanding, inclusion and emotional support. The initiative reinforced an important message: every individual deserves to be heard, understood and empowered, and collective well-being begins with self-awareness and care for others.

By combining creative expression, psychological insights and meaningful conversations, the carnival made mental health awareness an engaging and shared experience for the college community.