President Droupadi Murmu underscored the “valuable perspectives” women bring to mental healthcare, especially in caregiving and research, during her address at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru. She emphasised the importance of harmonising the mind and brain to promote greater awareness and advancements in mental health care.
“This event is not just a milestone for NIMHANS but also for the nation. As the mind and brain become increasingly relevant in the global context, prioritising mental health promotion will become vital in the years ahead,” she remarked, as reported by a leading media portal.
President Murmu highlighted the government’s efforts in mental health initiatives, notably the Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) platform, launched in October 2022. Spearheaded by NIMHANS in collaboration with IIT Bengaluru, this initiative has set up 53 Tele-MANAS cells nationwide, offering multilingual mental health support to over 2 million individuals.
“In the past, mental health concerns were often neglected across societies. However, recent years have witnessed a growing focus on mental health, a much-needed development given the rise in mental illnesses to near-epidemic levels globally,” she stated.
The President noted that the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside other global challenges, had intensified mental health issues. “Young people face heightened uncertainty in their studies due to social pressures and competition, professionals endure increased stress, and the elderly often grapple with loneliness stemming from societal shifts,” she observed.
She also addressed the mental health challenges faced by women, particularly those bearing domestic and caregiving responsibilities, which often lead to unnoticed mental distress. “Growing awareness has encouraged individuals to speak openly about their mental health concerns. Initiatives like Tele-MANAS ensure accessible counselling services anytime, anywhere,” she said.
President Murmu praised NIMHANS for integrating traditional practices such as yoga and ayurveda with modern mental health strategies to provide holistic care. “Our scriptures teach us that the mind is the root of all we perceive. A healthy mind lays the foundation for a healthy society,” she affirmed.
During the ceremony, President Murmu inaugurated several new facilities at NIMHANS, including the Psychiatry Speciality Block, Central Laboratory Complex, Bhima Hostel, Next-Generation 3T MRI Scanner, and Advanced DSA System. These additions mark significant strides in NIMHANS’ mission to deliver state-of-the-art mental health and neuroscience care.
