Cope with the stresses in life with cognitive and emotional well-being

Realising the importance of mental well-being, Centre of Liberal Arts in collaboration with National Service Scheme (NSS) and School of Education observed World Mental Health Day at Apeejay Stya University (ASU). This year the theme of the event was “Mental health and well-being for all, a global priority’.

The programme started by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Prof. Vimala Veera Raghvan, Prof. Emeritus and Dean Academics, ASU, welcomed the esteemed guests. In her opening remarks, she said that various events on the occasion of Mental Health Day is organised by Apeejay Stya University every year. She further highlighted the need to organise such events in every educational institutions as the learners are majorly facing huge stress and other mental health challenges.      

Professor Sanjay Ahirwal, Dean at School of Journalism and Mass Communication introduced the guest speakers. He briefly discussed about the importance of mental health in daily life of an individual.

Giving a presentation on raising community awareness about mental health, Dr. Saurabh Mehrotra, Senior consultant, Division of Mental Health and Quality of Life, Medanta-the Medicity, explained how stress leads to mental health issues and how one can overcome stress in their personal and professional lives.

Following his presentation, a panel discussion was held that was moderated by Dr. Saurabh Mehrotra. Panelists included Dr Trideep Choudhury, Consultant Psychiatrist at Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare, Gurgaon and Ms. Ishita Bhatt, Clinical Psychologist, Medanta Gurgaon. Both of them enlightened the audience while sharing their viewpoints on the basis of their own personal and professional experiences.

While giving presidential address, Professor Raj S Dhankar, Vice Chancellor of the University, congratulated Centre of Liberal Arts, NSS and School of Education for organising this much needed and relevant event. He underlined the need to be healthy holistically, which is impossible without mental well-being.

Prof. Raj S Dhankar further felicitated the guests with mementos.  

The event also included the ASU students performing a skit titled “Love You Zindagi”. It focused on mental health issues faced by different age groups and measures to combat the issues.

After the skit, Prof Aakriti Handa, Faculty at the School of Behavioural Sciences extended the vote of thanks. The event concluded with a walkathon to Hajipur (a village adopted by ASU) by student volunteers of Rotaract Club and NSS under the supervision of Dr. Vijay Kumar, Associate Professor in School of Education & NSS Programme Coordinator and Prof Handa. The students met the villagers and discussed about their mental health struggles and the challenges they face and also created a awareness amongst them.