Manasthali's 5-Day Festival Begins, Highlights Mental Health Awareness In Schools

Manasthali, a  mental health and wellness organisation, has kicked off its third edition of Mannotsava-Mann Ka Utsav, a five-day online event aimed at addressing the importance of mental health. The inaugural session on 5th October brought together educators, mental health professionals, and community leaders to emphasise the growing need for mental health awareness and support at the school level.

In a press statement on  Monday, the organisation informed that the festival began with a ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by a keynote address that highlighted the significance of integrating mental health initiatives from schools to workplaces. Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, Founder and Director of Manasthali, inaugurated the session, stressing the importance of building a strong foundation for mental health awareness from an early age.

“When discussing mental health at the workplace, we often focus on corporate environments, neglecting the foundational role educational institutions play, especially schools," said Dr. Kapoor. "Schools nurture young minds, but mental health often goes unnoticed. They can be vital in creating safe and supportive spaces for students, teachers, and staff, improving overall well-being."

The session also featured Neetu Pahuja, a veteran educator with over two decades of experience, who discussed the role of teachers in fostering student happiness and mental well-being. "Schools have taken steps to ensure the happiness of students by eliminating corporal punishment and focusing on child-centric teaching. However, we need to provide greater support for teachers who are under constant scrutiny from both parents and administration, impacting their ability to teach effectively."

In addition to daily live sessions, the event will feature an online panel discussion focusing on the World Mental Health Day theme of prioritising workplace mental health. Panellists will include Dr. Rajiv Gupta, Director and CEO of the Institute of Mental Health, UHS Rohtak; Dr. Hitesh Khurana, Professor at PGIMS Rohtak; and other experts from the mental health and corporate sectors.

Manasthali, known for its commitment to raising awareness about mental health, organises Mannotsava annually to offer a platform for stakeholders in the mental health ecosystem to share their insights. The organisation aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health through initiatives like counselling, workshops, and public events, fostering a culture of understanding and empathy.