Pics by: Jeevan Dcosta
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Manipal, Oct 10: In an effort to promote mental health awareness and well-being among students, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) organized lectures on Mental Health Awareness. This program was organized by the Department of Student Affairs, MAHE Manipal,in association with Dr. AV Baliga Memorial Hospital, Udupi.
Dr. Vidyakkumari, the Deputy Commissioner of Udupi, inaugurated the program. The event was presided over by Dr HS Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE. Dr Padmaraj Hegde, dean Kasturba medical college Manipal and AVelo Roy, MD Kolkata Ventures were the guests of honor. Dr Geetha Maiya, director department of students affairs MAHE Dr PV Bhandary, medical director Dr AV Baliga memorial hospital were present on the occasion.
The event, which featured a series of informative lectures and engaging discussions, aimed to shed light on the importance of mental health and encourage students to prioritize and spread awareness about emotional well-being.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Vidyakumari, DC said “This is the time we discuss mental wellbeing openly. It is a part of our lives. Adolescent stage is a time in which we encounter mental illness most of the time. Depression and anxiety disorder is a common disease today. Mental illness is not a weakness. We need to shatter the stigma around mental illness and create a favorable environment. Don’t hesitate to visit the counselor when you feel you are experiencing such illness”.
Dr. HS Ballal emphasized the significance of mental health awareness in academic institutions and underlined MAHE's commitment to fostering a holistic learning environment. He stated, "We must recognize that mental health is as vital as physical health. Today awareness of psychiatry has grown. There used to be many taboos around psychological illness earlier. But it has changed considerably. Peer and parental pressure also play a vital role in such cases. I congratulate department of students affairs MAHE and Dr AV Baliga memorial hospital for organizing such a insightful program, this should be a year long activity"
Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, the Dean of Kasturba Medical College Manipal, and Avelo Roy, MD Kolkata Ventures were the Guests of Honour.
Dr PV Bhandary, medical director Dr AV Baliga memorial hospital on the occasion said “The theme of this year's mental health awareness week is very apt. Psychiatrically ill patients many a time do not agree to the fact they have an illness. Today even the psychiatrists are being governed which is a good thing. The number of psychiatrists and treatment facilities has grown today. MAHE has decided to celebrate this awareness week in a unique way by providing insights about mental health to students which is a commendable effort. Awareness, acceptance, analysis and action is very much important in mental health diseases”.
A street play was also presented by the students of Manipal Institute of technology on the cause. “Hitaishi” newsletter was also released on the occasion.
Dr Geetha Maiya welcomed the gathering, Jeevan Lewis proposed a vote of thanks.
Dr Averyl Fernandes compered the program.