IGNOU Observes World Mental Health Day
New Delhi. : On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the Discipline of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) organized the webinar on " Mental health and well-being: Implications for human values and the future of humanity " delivered by Prof. Girishwar Misra, Professor of Psychology, Former Vice chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Wardha, Maharashtra.The webinar was live streamed on youtube and IGNOU Facebook.
Prof. Swati Patra welcomed all the participants and highlighted that the value system of individuals influences their thoughts, emotions and behavior – which in turn impacts their mental health and well-being. Indian culture talks about “VasudhaivaKutumbakam”, (i.e., the world is one family); so let us care for each other and live in harmony. She also explained the ‘five mantra’ for life, i.e. eat well, sleep well, exercise well, think well,and communicate well which will lead to holistic health and happiness.
Prof. Rashmi Sinha, Director SOSS,in her opening remarks, remarked on the stigma attached to talking about mental health and emphasized that it requires as much attention as physical health. She observed that the pandemic has given rise to many mental health issues. She urged all to come together and make the slogan by the World Health Organization a reality, which is “Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality”. She appreciated the support and guidance by Prof. Nageshwar Rao, VC IGNOU for the programmes and activities of the school during the pandemic.
Prof. Nageshwar Rao, VC, IGNOU, in his address complimented the school for organizing the webinar on a very relevant issue and said that mental health becomes even more pertinent in these times. He added that these deliberations on the topic would benefit our learners across the country. He also appreciated the continued counseling support to the learners through electronic and digital media by the Discipline of Psychology. He urged the School to come up and identify a few points for mental well-being that can help all and can be disseminated to a larger audience.
Prof. Girishwar Misra, the chief speaker of the occasion, initiated the dialogue under the theme “Mental health and well-being: Implications for human values and the future of humanity”. Prof. Misra emphasized on the interdependence between our mind and body. By taking insights from Atharva Veda and Ayurveda, he emphasized on having a positive mindset and cultivating human strengths. He drew the attention of the audience to the huge gap between our aspirations and reality, and emphasized the need to express. At the end he explained the meaning of “Vaishnav Jan To TeneKahiye Je, Peed Parae Jane Re” and said the one who loves god also knows about the pain of others, so we should help each other and make space for each other which is a key to the well being of individual.
An interactive session with all the participants was also held in which Prof. Satyakam, PVC also participated. Dr. Ashwini Kumar gave Vote of thanks to all the dignitaries and participants.
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