On the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2025, with The Theme ” Access to Service – Mental Health in Catastrophes & Emergencies” District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) Ganderbal, in collaboration with various organisations, organised a grand awareness event to promote mental well-being and community engagement.
The programme saw active participation from the J&K Police Ganderbal, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Ganderbal, Rotary Club Kashmir, Kashmir Speaks, S.R. Theatre, and students from multiple educational institutions across the district.
The day’s proceedings began with an impressive Mental Health Awareness Rally that started from Beehama Ganderbal and culminated at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Duderhama. This was followed by an awareness session held in the school auditorium, featuring several distinguished speakers who addressed participants on the importance of mental health and this year’s global theme.
Dr. Umar Jan, Psychiatrist, DMHP Ganderbal, elaborated on the World Mental Health Day 2025 theme and said in catastrophes — natural disasters, conflict zones, pandemics, large-scale emergencies — people’s lives are disrupted in many ways: loss, displacement, uncertainty, grief, fear. Such stressors can overwhelm individuals and communities so Mental health and psychosocial support should be integrated into emergency preparedness, disaster planning, and humanitarian responses he also spoke about the growing prevalence of mental health challenges. He emphasized the importance of understanding the underlying causes of mental illness, early intervention, and community-based support to strengthen mental well-being.
SSP Ganderbal, Mr. Khalil Poswal (IPS), delivered a powerful address highlighting the vital role of family, teachers, and society in shaping an individual’s character and behaviour. He expressed concern over the rising incidence of crime and substance abuse among youth, noting that many offenders come from unstable family environments. He urged that families, educators, and communities must work together to nurture responsible citizens and build a peaceful, emotionally healthy society.
Following his address, S.R. Theatre presented a compelling Nukad Natak (street play) on mental health awareness. The performance conveyed a strong message about how rapid modernisation — including the introduction of mobile phones and 4G/5G technology — has led to increasing social media addiction among youth. The play illustrated how this virtual engagement often isolates family members, reducing real-life social interactions that once played a crucial role in emotional well-being. It highlighted how this disconnection has taken a toll on mental health, particularly among the younger generation.
Other speakers from the District Legal Services Authority, Rotary Club Kashmir, and student representatives also spoke on the Rights of Mental Health patients and significance of mental health awareness and the need to break the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Dr. Farah Shafi, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Ganderbal, was the Guest of Honour at the event. She expressed her gratitude to SSP Ganderbal, Shri Khalil Poswal (IPS), for his collaboration and support in organising and making the event a success. As a gesture of appreciation, she also presented a memento to Shri Khalil Poswal for his valuable contribution and commitment towards mental health promotion in the district.
The observation also witnessed a wide spread of IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities and the active participation of all stakeholders, who reaffirmed their shared responsibility in shaping a healthy, aware, and mentally strong society.
The event concluded with the distribution of mementos and certificates among the speakers, performers, and participants. The programme successfully highlighted the collective efforts of families, institutions, and communities in fostering a mentally healthy and socially connected Society.
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