Patanjali University organises workshop on World Mental Health Day

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the Department of Psychology at Patanjali University organised an workshop aimed at sensitizing students, teachers, and society at large towards mental health.

The workshop focused on ways to maintain mental balance during stress, anxiety, and emergency situations.

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The program commenced with Vedic mantras and the traditional lighting of the lamp. Welcoming all guests, Dr. Vaishali Gaur, Head of the Department and Convener of the Workshop, said that in today’s time, discussions around mental health have become as significant as those on physical health.

The Chief Guest and keynote speaker, Dr. Jayan Namboodiri, CEO and Director of Mindcraft, joined the session online and delivered a profound lecture on the topic “Access to Services in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” He emphasized that health is incomplete without mental well-being. Through real-life examples and experiences, Dr. Namboodiri explained that during any natural disaster, accident, or sudden crisis, mental resilience helps an individual recover and regain balance.

He highlighted that adequate sleep of eight hours, a balanced and nutritious diet, and a cheerful attitude are essential components of good mental health. He stated that mental health is not merely the absence of illness but the presence of emotional, psychological, and social stability. “If the mind is unstable, self-development becomes impossible,” he added.

The Guest of Honour, Swami Parmarthdev Ji, Chief Central In-charge of Bharat Swabhiman Trust, in his motivational address, said that mental health holds the same importance in human life as prana vayu (life force) does for the body. He stressed that in today’s competitive and technology-driven world, controlling the mind is extremely essential. Addressing students and teachers, he remarked, “If we can master our minds, no circumstance in life can unsettle us.”

Dr. Lokesh Gupta, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, spoke about the educational and social dimensions of mental health, emphasizing that counseling and awareness programs for students in universities are the need of the hour. Dr. Sanwar Singh, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, also shared his valuable insights during the session.

The event saw the presence of all deans, heads of departments, teaching and administrative staff, and a large number of students. Participants described the workshop as highly useful and a valuable opportunity for self-reflection.

The session was compered by Aahana Gupta and Rashi. The workshop concluded with a collective pledge by all participants to make mental health an integral part of their daily lives and contribute to spreading awareness about it in society.