On October 10th, the Department of Psychology commemorated World Mental Health Day with a vibrant and engaging event aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting emotional well-being among students and staff of The IIS (deemed to be) University. The event included a series of activities designed to foster a supportive environment.

The day started with zestful laughing Zumba inspired by Dr. Madan Kataria, where all university students were invited to enjoy and relax by letting themselves loose through the combination of Zumba and laughter exercises. The dance was followed by numerous activities like ‘Man ki Mayuri’ where beautiful thoughts and memories were associated with elements of nature and Inside out’ where different colours symbolized different emotions. Games like ‘Adventure arcade aimed to heal your inner child and embrace the self. The calming corner emphasized on the idea of releasing all negativity and renewing positivity through jars labelled as Release and Renew and the virtue of patience was practiced through settling glitter jars.Self-care wheel and ‘Appreciation square’ highlighted the importance of self-love. The idea of empathy and acceptance was reflected in a game, ‘Knock, knock, who’s there?’ as the participants were blindfolded and paired up with random partners to share and express their intricate thoughts and feelings in a very unprejudiced environment. While ‘Emotional Tic Tac Toe’, had participants answering emotion-related questions to earn their moves on the tic-tac-toe board, fostering a deep understanding of self, the ‘Dare to Be Kind’ initiative invited attendees to complete various kind acts, either for themselves or others, in exchange for a small badge. Last but not the least, ‘Digital Detox’, aimed to encourage participants to step away from their screens and reconnect with nature, themselves, and each other. A calm and peaceful environment was maintained as students immersed themselves in various tasks. Food stalls provided refreshments to the audience and lifted the spirits of all in the heat. The day witnessed high levels of interest and participation from both the faculty as well as the students, marking the success of the event. Overall, the event not only provided valuable resources, insights and support but also strengthened connections among attendees, creating a positive atmosphere focused on mental wellness.

A key highlight was the visit from our notable guests: Dr. Ashok Gupta, Chancellor; Prof. T.N. Mathur, Vice-Chancellor; Prof. M.K. Sharma, Dean of Commerce and Management; and Prof. P.J. John, Dean of Sciences. They actively engaged with students and participated in various games, reinforcing the university's commitment to mental health initiatives.

Outcome:

The celebration underscored the university's commitment to nurturing a holistic and inclusive atmosphere for mental well-being.The event drew significant participation from students and staff, highlighting the importance of mental well-being in our academic environment.