Emphasis on Mental Health Awareness and Adopting a Positive Lifestyle
“A Healthy Body, a Healthy Mind, and Enhanced Intellectual Ability Are the Foundations of a Strong Society and a Developed India” — Chancellor Shri Prabhakar Singh
Sona Devi University, Ghatsila, organised an awareness programme to mark World Mental Health Day in the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium. The primary objective of the programme was to sensitise students to the importance of mental health, discuss effective strategies for managing stress and pressure, and encourage them to adopt a healthy, positive, and balanced lifestyle. University officials, heads of departments, and students shared their perspectives on various aspects of mental health, intellectual development, and social responsibility.
Discussion on Mental Health Awareness and a Balanced Lifestyle
The programme was conducted by Dr. Kusum Kumari Lakra, Head of the Department of Psychology, who also introduced the theme. Highlighting the relevance of mental health, she emphasised the importance of mental balance, positive thinking, and emotional resilience in students’ lives. She stated that open discussions on mental health are essential to developing greater awareness and understanding of the subject.
Mr. Krishnanand Dutta, Head of the Department of Mathematics, shared his views and stated that mental well-being can be improved by making positive lifestyle changes, maintaining discipline, and following a balanced daily routine. He encouraged students to pay equal attention to their mental health alongside their academic pursuits and incorporate healthy habits into their everyday lives.
On this occasion, Manavi Hembram, a student of the Department of History, also shared her thoughts. Her participation highlighted students’ active engagement with the important subject of mental health and the growing awareness among the younger generation.
Mentally Empowered Citizens Are the True Strength of a Nation: Dr. Shiv Chandra Jha
Dr. Shiv Chandra Jha, Head of the Department of Political Science, connected mental health with the overall development of the nation. In his address, he stated, “The true progress of any nation is measured not only by its economic development, scientific achievements, and academic excellence, but also by how healthy, sensitive, and mentally empowered its citizens are.”
He explained that mental health influences an individual’s personality, social behaviour, decision-making abilities, and capacity to face life’s challenges. A mentally healthy individual can make better decisions in life and effectively fulfil responsibilities towards family, society, and the nation. He described mental health as an important foundation not only for individual well-being but also for social and national development.
Mental Health Is Essential for the Holistic Development of Students: Registrar Dr. Nit Nayana
Registrar Dr. Nit Nayana highlighted the importance of mental health, stating that mental well-being, self-confidence, and positive thinking are essential for students’ academic success. She encouraged students to manage stress, maintain a balanced daily routine, and share their concerns with others.
She emphasised that mental health awareness and emotional resilience form the foundation of students’ holistic development. Calling upon students to make mental health a priority, she urged them not to ignore stress but to understand its causes and seek appropriate guidance and support whenever necessary. She also encouraged students to become sensitive, thoughtful, and responsible citizens.
Mental Health and Intellectual Development Will Strengthen the Nation: Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Braj Mohan Pat Pinguwa
Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Braj Mohan Pat Pinguwa emphasised the significant role of mental health and intellectual ability in the holistic development of students. He stated that the purpose of education is not merely to impart textbook knowledge but also to develop logical thinking, creativity, self-confidence, and the ability to overcome challenges.
He encouraged students to remain stress-free, adopt a positive outlook, and incorporate yoga, exercise, and a disciplined daily routine into their lives. He noted that mentally healthy students can make better use of their talents and abilities and contribute meaningfully to the development of society and the nation.
Students Should Move Forward with the Resolve: “I Will Never Give Up”: Chancellor Shri Prabhakar Singh
In his inspiring address, Chancellor Shri Prabhakar Singh encouraged students to face life’s challenges with determination and remain committed to their goals. He began his address by referring to the famous poem “Haar Nahi Manoonga, Raar Nahi Thanoonga” (“I Will Never Give Up, Nor Will I Engage in Hostility”) by former Prime Minister and renowned poet Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He urged students not to lose hope when confronted with difficult circumstances but to move forward with self-confidence, courage, and determination.
Mr. Singh advised students to incorporate positive activities such as reading books, listening to music, and practising yoga into their daily routines to reduce academic pressure and stress. These activities, he explained, help promote mental peace, concentration, and positive thinking. Emphasising the close relationship between physical and mental health, he stated that a healthy body plays an important role in maintaining mental well-being.
He called upon students to work consistently towards their goals with perseverance, hard work, and dedication. Patience and discipline, he noted, are essential for success. Rather than allowing challenges to become a source of discouragement, students should view them as opportunities to learn, grow, and improve themselves.
“Do Not Just Take from Society; Become Someone Who Gives Back to Society”
Chancellor Shri Prabhakar Singh conveyed a message of social responsibility, urging students to reflect on what they receive from society and what they contribute in return. In his inspiring words, he stated, “The hand that gives is above, while the hand that receives is below.”
He encouraged students to use their knowledge, skills, and abilities for the welfare of society. He explained that the true meaning of life lies not only in achieving personal success but also in bringing positive changes to the lives of others and contributing to social development. Students, he emphasised, should strive to fulfil their responsibilities towards society through their education and talents.
Student-Centred Education Will Help Realise the Dream of a Developed India
Shri Prabhakar Singh placed special emphasis on making the education system student-centred to fulfil the vision of a developed India. He stated that ensuring the holistic development of students is one of the most important responsibilities of an educational institution. The purpose of education, he explained, extends beyond securing good examination marks to developing students’ logical reasoning, intellectual abilities, independent thinking, and problem-solving skills.
He noted that good mental health enables students to use their abilities more effectively and express their ideas clearly. Therefore, students’ mental well-being and intellectual development must be given equal importance. He encouraged students to recognise their talents, continue acquiring knowledge, and actively contribute to nation-building and social progress.
The Chancellor expressed confidence that the vision of a developed India would gain a stronger foundation when students are physically and mentally healthy, intellectually capable, and conscious of their social responsibilities. He reiterated that a healthy body, a healthy mind, and enhanced intellectual ability are the foundations of a strong society and a developed India.
Programme Concludes with a Vote of Thanks
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Kanchan Sinha. She expressed her gratitude to the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, heads of departments, speakers, and students. She also thanked everyone who contributed to the successful organisation of the programme.
