Institute Counselling Service, NIT Rourkela observed Mental Health Awareness Week

Rourkela : Institute Counselling Services (ICS), a technical service unit of NIT Rourkela that looks after the psychological well-being of the NITR fraternity conducted MENTAL HEALTH WEEK 2022 from 10th – 16th October 2022. 10th October is observed as ‘World Mental Health Day’ every year. The student members of ICS along with a few clubs under the Student Activity Centre organized many events to promote awareness about mental health.
The week-long programme started with a webinar by ‘YourDOST’ (an online counselling and emotional support platform) on the topic “Beyond what you see”. The inaugural event involved a talk by Prof. Pawan Kumar (Head of Unit, ICS) on “Indian Spiritual Health and Mental Health Well-being”. He said “Indian heritage has immense source of knowledge and guidance for our present generations. Currently, the western world is exploring the information of Vedas and our country should play an essential role in guiding the world in that direction.”
During the inaugural event, Prof. K. Ummaheshwar Rao (Director, NITR) addressed the NITR community and said, “One must focus on the existent environment and its pleasantries. We are delving much into the virtual world which is creating false expectations. We must be sincere and determined in our approach to achieving our goals. A focused approach can hand success”. ICS had also invited Sri Achyutha Krishna Dasa (Regional President of The Akshaya Patra Foundation Odisha) to talk on “The art of mind control”. Briefing on mind control, anger management and stress management he interacted with the students and said, “Who controls the mind controls the situations around. The stress of exams or the stress in the workplace, each problem can get a solution if the mind is controlled. Art of controlling mind can lead you to spot the right time, right person and right way whenever there is a problem.”
Students from Heartbeats, Pantomime, Kalaam, Open Mic Club, Chitraang and Akriti Club from the student activity centre presented a song, play, stand-up performance and artwork based on mental health awareness. Axiom conducted a “Treasure Hunt” event to refresh the mind of students which saw a participation of more than 250 students. A movie show based on mental health was also showcased on the occasion.
The organizers from the ICS aimed to connect to the maximum community through this week-long event and programs. The efforts of Prof. Pawan Kumar (Head of Unit, ICS), ICS faculty team, Mr. Amlan Das (Advisor) and the entire student team of ICS have created a better atmosphere for NIT fraternity to live with a healthy mind. The team provides free support to all students, faculty and staff along with their family members. The theme for 2022’s celebration of World Mental Health Day is “Make mental health & well-being for all a global priority.”