CHANDEL, OCT 10: With a view to raise awareness that mental health is like any other and can be treated, a Mental Health Day was observed on Saturday at Central Church Molnoi Area Kuki Baptist Convention (KBC) No. 16, Pallel, Tengnoupal district by Centre for Women and Girls (CWG).
The event was observed in collaboration with Central Church, Molnoi Area, Kuki Baptist Convention (KBC) No. 16.
The observance was held under the theme “Lived Experience” with the tagline “Better Minds, Stronger Communities, Brighter Tomorrows” to promote mental health awareness, encourage open conversations, reduce stigma and highlight the importance of listening to and valuing lived experiences.
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Hechin Haokip, Executive Director of the Centre for Women and Girls, delivered the keynote address. Speaking on the importance of mental well-being, she highlighted the journey of CWG, which began with barefoot counselling for its staff with the support of a professional clinical psychologist, and subsequently extended to the community to explore how people can help each other through professional counselling and community support systems.
She stressed the need to break the silence surrounding mental health issues and to normalise seeking help for mental well-being, especially during this time of conflict.
Col. Atul Parashar, Commanding Officer, 10 Assam Rifles, also spoke on the occasion and called for everyone to speak up their minds and communicate with one another. ‘If we do not speak up, if we do not communicate, we will not know what’s in their minds’, the Colonel said.
He added that wherever he has been posted he has always tried to be a mediator and help communicate and bridge gaps between people.
Participants also shared their lived experiences and emphasized the need for empathy, understanding and inclusive support within families and communities.
The formal session was followed by slogan writing and painting competitions and fun games. Later, a mass rally was conducted from the Church Campus, Molnoi Area, KBC No.16 to Khulmi Public Ground.
The observance was graced by Guru Rewben Mashangva, Padma Shri Awardee-2021 & National Tribal Awardee-2011, Col. Atul Parashar, Commanding Officer, 10 Assam Rifles, chiefs of neighbouring villages and prominent church leaders as special guests, with active participation from a large number of women, girls, youth and community members.
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