Workshop on Mental Health and Stress Management 

Chandigarh, March 10, 2025: The Department cum Centre for Women's Studies & Development organised a Workshop on Mental Health and Stress Management by Dr. Shruti Shourie, Associate Professor, D.A.V. College, Sec-10, Chandigarh followed by play namely “Aawaaz” to Commemorate International Women's Day.

Dr. Shruti Shourie, through an insightful and interactive session dealt with a very sensitive and pertinent topic. While informing the participants about the definition, reasons, types and stages of stress, the presentation enabled the audience to introspect and recommended simple yet effective strategies for good mental health. Dr. Shourie, very skillfully engaged the participants in the due course of the presentation making them realise the benefits of positive attitudes. The resource person also performed stress-relieving breathing exercises with the participant thus making them realise the simplicity yet benefits of mindfulness. Through the course of the workshop, the significance of human relationships, compassion, gratitude, empathy, self-love, forgiveness among others was reinforced. Dr. Shourie re-emphasised the role of exercise and healthy diet in the pursuit of better mental health. The presentation was followed by lively and engaging question answer session where the participants asked questions from personal experiences. The workshop was attended by students, faculty and research scholars of various departments.

The workshop was followed by a play “Aawaz”, performed at Student Centre, highlighting the plight of women through verbal, psychological, acid attacks, domestic and sexual violence faced by women in various spheres like streets, police stations, workspace and household. The play is written and directed by Mr. Hargovind Singh. The play ended with the victims raising their voice against the violence faced my them. The play was well received by the audience.

Prof. Manvinder Kaur, Dr. Ameer Sultana, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Chander, Dr. Upneet Mangat Guest faculty, non-teaching staff, research scholars, and students actively participated in the discussion. Ms. Kanika, Ms. Divyaand Ms. Monica conducted the proceedings and thanked Prof. Renu Vig, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rumina Sethi, DUI, & Prof. Y.P. Verma, Registrar, and the DCWSD organising team for providing the motivation, inspiration and support to organise the workshop.