World Mental Health Day
Celebrated on 10th October 2023
The Department of Psychology in collaboration with the Student Welfare Department celebrated ‘World Mental Health Day.’ The inaugural event on 10th October 2023, held at Patkar Hall, SNDTWU, Churchgate, beginning from 10 a.m. was commemorated with the lighting of the lamp, the university song and the national anthem for a joyous and peaceful start.
Dr. Nilesh Thakre, Head of the Department of Psychology SNDTWU, Churchgate welcomed everyone with a warm speech. Next, the compères Tejal and Mahi introduced the guests of honour, Dr Harish Shetty, Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi (Actor and Filmmaker) and Mr. Uday Nene (Actor). Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Professor Ujwala Chakradeo ma’am then went on to address the audience and say a few words on mental health and its importance.
Dr Kavit Pandya, Head of the Gujrati Department and award-winning scriptwriter was then introduced and felicitated. The winners of the Digital Poster Making competition were announced on stage and presented with trophies. The mic was next passed on to Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi who enlightened the students with his view of mental health, and how students must have faith and hope to succeed in the battle against mental illnesses. Dr. Harish Shetty then took over and facilitated an interactive session on the topic of ‘Mental Health in Ancient and Modern India.’ After this, a short play on the topic of ‘Take the first step towards Mental Health’ by Open Mics Projection followed wherein they presented a unique perspective of Mental Health, post which the students and audience dispersed for a short lunch break at 1.45pm.
After the break, began the performance of a street play written and directed by Dr Kavit Pandya, highlighting the message ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.’
Then followed an interesting interview of actor Uday Nene, titled ‘Role of Psychology in Portraying Characters in Various Media’ by Miss Rajshri. A beautiful and heart-touching dance performance by student Vinita Shah was next.
The activity planned after was a myth buster activity where students Vaishnavi and Saisha asked the audience questions on whether the statements, they were saying could be facts or myths. A beautiful singing performance titled ‘Strings of Emotions’ followed wherein students Tanvi Lokhande and Snehanjali Selvan sang many songs that highlighted the theme of the event. Another dance titled ‘Melange- A Therapy- An assimilation of various dance forms’ by two students, Snehanjali and Yashika Raje wowed everyone.
Then came the circle activity with instructions given by Vaishnavi and Saisha (students). The event was then concluded after this creative activity. The day ended with a speech by Miss Tasmiya, a student that talked about World Mental Health Day, its importance, its essence, theme and more. She thanked everyone for their contribution in making this event a grand success.
