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Small Steps, Stronger Minds: Apeejay Stya University hosts mental health awareness session
Students explored grounding techniques, positive reflection and science-backed approaches to everyday emotional challenges.
Acknowledging the importance of Mental Health, the Rotaract Club of Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram organised an engaging virtual session titled ‘Tiny Tweaks, Brighter Weeks’, aligned with the global theme, ‘Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change’. Coordinated by faculty members Dr Manju Rani and Dr Vijay Kumar, the session brought together students, faculty members and Rotaract members to discuss mental well-being and explore practical ways to navigate everyday emotional challenges.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Rtr Philip J. Dolo, President of the Rotaract Club. Setting the context for the discussion, Dr Manju Rani delivered an introductory presentation on the significance of World Mental Health Day, first observed in 1992, and highlighted growing global concerns surrounding anxiety and depression.
She also drew attention to institutional support systems available to students and the hesitation many experience in seeking help because of the fear of being judged. Emphasising the need to make mental health conversations more accessible and inclusive, she introduced the central idea behind ‘Tiny Tweaks, Brighter Weeks’. She highlighted simple yet meaningful actions, such as listening without judgement, encouraging open conversations and reducing the stigma associated with mental health concerns.
Following the introductory session, Rtr Vanshika Bhardwaj introduced the guest speaker, Dr Meenakshi Girdhar, an ICF-accredited Positive Psychology Coach and founder of Coach on Rise.
Dr Girdhar began her interactive session with a reflective question: “How are you feeling today?” The simple check-in encouraged participants to pause, acknowledge their emotions and become more mindful of their present state of mind. She then guided them through grounding exercises, including deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, demonstrating practical techniques that can help individuals manage stress and reconnect with the present moment.
To encourage positive reflection and self-awareness, Dr Girdhar asked participants to take a notebook and pen and record three good things that had happened to them in the preceding 24 hours, along with two personal strengths they possessed. The exercise encouraged them to recognise everyday positives and acknowledge their own capabilities.
The session concluded with an open question-and-answer segment, during which students raised concerns related to academic pressure, overthinking, social media addiction, managing external opinions and sustaining intrinsic motivation. Dr Girdhar responded with practical, science-backed guidance, offering participants strategies to approach these common challenges with greater awareness and confidence.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Club Secretary Rtr Aryan Pandey. He expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and other members of the University leadership, guest speaker Dr Meenakshi Girdhar, faculty coordinators Dr Vijay Kumar and Dr Manju Rani, and participants from various institutions and schools of ASU.
The initiative reinforced the importance of listening, self-awareness and small, consistent steps in nurturing mental well-being, encouraging participants to make mental health a part of everyday conversations and care.
