Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 29: The Composite Regional Centre (CRC), A&N Islands, today organised an awareness programme titled “Mind Matters – Love, Likes, Life & Everything in Between” at Andaman & Nicobar College (ANCOL), in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day and World Mental Health Day. The programme was organised in collaboration with Tele-MANAS, Directorate of Health Services, A&N Islands, and Andaman & Nicobar College (ANCOL). The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Jayakumar, Principal, ANCOL, in the presence of Smt. Sumithamol S., Director, CRC, A&N Islands, and Dr. Sumithra Dakuya, Counsellor, Tele-MANAS.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Jayakumar emphasised the importance of creating a supportive and empathetic environment for students, encouraging them to speak openly about their emotions and concerns and to seek timely help whenever required. He highlighted that mental well-being is an essential part of overall health and urged the students to be attentive to their own well-being as well as that of their friends and peers.
Smt. Sumithamol S., Director, CRC, A&N Islands, in her address, stressed the importance of awareness, early identification of emotional difficulties and timely intervention. She encouraged the students to overcome hesitation and stigma associated with seeking mental-health support and highlighted the importance of reaching out to appropriate professionals and support systems. Shri Pritesh Pal, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, ANCOL, commenced the session with an engaging ice-breaking activity, creating an open and comfortable atmosphere for interaction and participation among the students. This was followed by an insightful and highly interactive session by Dr. Sumithra Dakuya, Counsellor, Tele-MANAS, who used informative slides, discussions and role plays to address important themes including Mental Health, Warning Signs, Suicide Prevention, Addiction and Help-Seeking.
The major theme, “Mind Matters – Love, Likes, Life & Everything in Between,” explored the realities faced by young people in their emotional, social and digital lives. Through interactive activities and role plays, Dr. Sumithra encouraged the participants to understand the importance of recognising warning signs, supporting peers, developing healthy coping mechanisms and seeking professional assistance when necessary. The session highlighted that conversations around mental health need to be open, compassionate and free from stigma. Dr. K. Sakthivel further elaborated on Emotional Well-being, Relationships and Digital Life, sensitising the participants to the impact of relationships and digital engagement on emotional well-being and encouraging responsible and balanced use of digital platforms.
The programme was hosted by Smt. Saranyah R.K., Rehabilitation Officer, CRC, A&N Islands, and witnessed active participation from the students and faculty of ANCOL, with around 55 students actively attending the programme. The programme concluded with an emphasis on the importance of building a caring and supportive community where individuals feel comfortable reaching out for help.