PU NSS Observed World Mental Health Day

Chandigarh October 10, 2023: NSS Panjab University in association with the Faith Hospital, Chandigarh organized a ‘walk-a-thon’ to mark the World Mental Health Day today.

The walk-a-thon started from the Sukhna Lake and after passing through the Rock Garden, concluded back at the Sukhna Lake. More than 200 people from different walks of life participated in the ‘walk-a-thon’.

Rajiv Kumar Gupta IAS, Chief Administrator, Greater Mohali Development Authority (GMADA) was the Chief Guest on the occasion who flagged off the ‘walk-a-thon’. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Gupta congratulated the NSS and the Faith Hospital for organizing the special event to mark the day.He said, with the rapid urbanization and fast pace of life, more and more people were having mental issues. Therefore, it is very important to de-stigmatize the mental health issues and treat these like any other illness. He also called for greater awareness about mental health issues and observed that such events would definitely help in creating awareness about the mental health issues.

Dr Damanjit Kaur, Director Faith Hospital Chandigarhsaid that mental health issues are becoming more common. Quoting some recent studies, she disclosed that the latest surveys suggest that the prevalence of current mental morbidity was found higher in males as compared to females for both current (13.9% vs. 7.5%) and lifetime (16.7% vs. 10.8%). The age group of 40-49 years (14.5 %) had the highest prevalence, while urban metro residents (14.7%) had a higher prevalence for current experience of mental morbidity. The most frequent mental disorders, current prevalence, among adolescents were anxiety disorders and mood disordersshe added.

D N V Kumara Guru, Senior Director, Advancement, Alumni Engagement and External Relations at the Indian School of Business (ISB) in his address also highlighted the significance of mental health especially among youth.

Dr Parveen Goyal, NSS Coordinator Panjab University in his address stated that the motto of NSS is ‘Not me but you” and PU NSS unit is always ready to take part in any initiative which has a larger positive social impact. The event was coordinated by Prof Namita Gupta, Prof Shankar Sehgal, Dr Naveen Kumar and Dr Manish Sharma from Panjab University.