World Mental Health Day observed across UTs of J&K, Ladakh

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 10: World Mental Health Day with this year’s theme “Mental Health for All: Greater investment and Greater Access” was observed across the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
On the directions of Chief Justice Jammu and Kashmir High Court and Patron-in-Chief Jammu and Kashmir UT Legal Services Authority, Gita Mittal and guidance of Executive Chairman J&K SLSA, Justice Rajesh Bindal, World Mental Health Day was observed by J&K SLSA through District Legal Services Authorities in all districts of UTs of J&K and Ladakh.
DLSA Anantnag observed the day by organizing awareness programme at Aishmuqam which was attended by prominent citizens and Para legal volunteers for further raising awareness on mental health issues including depression, suicides and the need for self care. “Online Conversation” was also organized on the occasion with Psychologist Dr Mudassir Aziz.
DLSA Kupwara organized an awareness camps at Harvard Presentation School and at Legal Aid Clinic, Handwara for dissemination of message of sound mental health especially during COVID times when people are facing challenges on social, health and economic fronts.
DLSA Kulgam also organized awareness programme at Munsiff Court, Kulgam which was attended by Para Legal Volunteers.
DLSA Budgam organized an online awareness programme in conjunction with the theme of the day with resource persons Dr Tajamul CMO Budgam, Rafia Hassan, Secretary DLSA Anantnag and Advocates Sharukh and Saleem who dealt with different facets of mental health and ways to combat mental illness.
DLSA Samba observed the day by organizing series of activities including online conversations and personal interactions with different stakeholders from within the communities.
DLSA Udhampur marked the day by organizing online slogan writing competition among students of NITL Higher Secondary School. Interactive sessions were also held by Para Legal Volunteers with guardians of mentally challenged persons for knowing their problems.
DLSA Kathua also observed the day by organizing an awareness programme at Old Age Home, Kathua in which Dr Savita Wazir was the resource person. A drawing competition was also organized by TLSC Billawar on the occasion.
At Katra, an awareness camp was organized by DLSA in collaboration with Health Department which was attended by Judicial Officers, Doctors, Advocates and PLVs.
DLSA Ramban and TLSC Banihal observed the day by organizing programmes at PHC Ukhral and CHC Gool.
DLSA Bandipora organized awareness programme at ADR Centre which was attended by Lawyers, students, PLVs, officials of DLSA and local residents highlighting various aspects of mental health and illness.
DLSA Leh also observed the day at Bogdang village in association with Health Department, Leh.
DLSA, Srinagar organized an awareness programme at Psychiatric Hospital, Badamwari to mark the celebration of the day.
The day was similarly observed by DLSAs of other districts across the UTs of J&K and Ladakh with great fervor and enthusiasm. All prescribed norms and SOP’s were strictly adhered to while organizing the programmes.
GCW Parade Jammu and Islamia College Kashmir in collaboration with Higher Education Department J&K organized Webinar to observe World Mental Health Day. The theme of the webinar was Drug abuse-better awareness, better care. The resource persons on the occasion were Shridhar Patil, SSP Jammu, Dr Manu Arora, Psychiatrist Government Medical College Jammu and Dr Rudrani Chatterjee, Clinical Psychologist, Institute of Psychiatry, Kolkata. The technical coordination was provided by Prof (Dr) Parveen Kumar Sharma, Kurukshetra University and founder of Uniskills, School of Skill Development. Prof. (Dr) SP Sarswat, Principal, Government College for Women, Parade Ground, Jammu who is also the Patron-Psychological, Career Counselling and Placement Cell, Jammu presided over the webinar as the Chairperson. Director Colleges Prof (Dr) MY Peerzada, Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Principal, Islamia College, Srinagar and Patron-Psychological, Career Counseling and Placement Cell, Kashmir, Vikas Dhar Bhagati, Deputy Secretary Higher Education Department, Dr Kumar Sourabh, Member, Coordination Cell, Higher Education Department, Principals and faculty of Degree Colleges from across the UT attended the webinar.