Grand Conclusion of “Mental Health Awareness Week–2025” at Venkateshwara

Focus on “Mental Health in Disasters and Emergencies”

Meerut: The Venkateshwara Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) and Venkateshwara School of Nursing, operating under the aegis of Shri Venkateshwara University, witnessed the grand culmination of the “Mental Health Awareness Week–2025” held from October 6 to October 10.

The week-long series of events centered around this year’s theme, “Mental Health in Disasters and Emergencies,” featuring seminars, street plays, poster competitions, awareness rallies, and several interactive sessions designed to promote mental well-being among students and the community.

The valedictory ceremony commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp before Goddess Saraswati by Pro-Chancellor Dr. Rajeev Tyagi, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Krishna Kant Dave, Dean (Medical) Dr. Sanjeev H. Bhatt, Chief Medical Superintendent Dr. Suresh Mehta, Head of Psychiatry Dr. Sandeep Chaudhary, and Dr. Manjari Rana.

During the event, MBBS students led by Aniket Pant presented a moving street play and song performance emphasizing the importance of mental health in personality development. Prof. Manish Sharma (School of Nursing) delivered an insightful lecture on “Mental Health during Disasters and Emergencies,” highlighting the importance of community-based approaches and collective efforts in mental health promotion.

A vibrant group dance performance by MBBS students added energy and positivity to the atmosphere. The event was efficiently compered by Dr. Kriti Kanwar (Clinical Psychologist, Department of Psychiatry) and Dr. Shreya Sharma (Junior Resident, Department of Psychiatry).

Shri Sudhir Giri, Founder-Chairman of the Venkateshwara Group, emphasized that respectful behavior, accurate counseling, and patient-centered treatment with compassion and dedication are key to improving mental health outcomes. He remarked that the vision of a healthy India is incomplete without good mental health.

Pro-Chancellor Dr. Rajeev Tyagi stated that mental well-being forms the foundation of holistic development, while Vice-Chancellor Prof. Krishna Kant Dave announced that the university’s Department of Psychiatry would soon be developed as a “Centre of Excellence” through global collaborations, research, and expert engagement in psychiatry and psychology.

Dr. Sandeep Chaudhary highlighted the growing role of telemedicine and tele-counseling in providing effective psychiatric care during crises and emergencies.

In her vote of thanks, Dr. Manjari Rana expressed gratitude to all dignitaries and participants, noting that the Psychiatry Department at VIMS has been consistently working toward mental health promotion not only within the hospital premises but also at the community level through outreach programs, workshops, and mental health clinics. She urged everyone to foster a positive societal attitude toward mental health and help eradicate the stigma surrounding it.

The week-long celebrations also featured expert talks, workshops, and cultural performances aimed at enhancing sensitivity and awareness about mental health among students, staff, and the wider community.

The event was attended by Dr. Manish Sharma, Dr. Manjari Rana, Dr. Saharsh Walter, Dr. Chitrajit Singh Juneja, Dr. Kriti Kanwar, Dr. Vivek Pathak, Dr. Snehangi, Dr. Vidisha, Dr. Gazal, Dr. Mayank, Dr. B.S. Tyagi, Dr. Prerna, Dr. Shreya Sharma, and others from the VIMS and university campus, including Dr. Pratap Singh (Director) and Vishwas Rana (Media In-Charge).