Early Times Report
UDHAMPUR, Oct 5: Government Degree College (GDC), Udhampur initiated a month-long observance of World Mental Health Day 2026 with awareness and outreach activities promoting mental health, emotional well-being, resilience, inclusion and responsible help-seeking. The programme commenced with a Poster Making Competition on "Mental Health Awareness", followed by a Mental Health Awareness Rally in the community of Udhampur. The activities were organised collaboratively by the Department of Psychology, NSS, NCC and NCORD to take the message of mental health beyond the college campus. Principal of the College Dr Bhavnaish Chand Anthal while addressing the gathering, highlighted the importance of mental health awareness among young people and appreciated the students, NSS volunteers, NCC cadets and faculty for becoming ambassadors of mental health. He emphasized that such initiatives help reduce stigma and encourage timely help-seeking. The programme was conducted in collaboration with Dr Piyali Arora, HoD, Department of Psychology, under the guidance of Prof. Shobhna Sambyal, Convener, NCORD; Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Convener, NCC; and Dr Monica, Convener, NSS. Dr Bandana Mazal, HoD, Department of Sericulture, and other faculty members also supported the programme. The rally was flagged off by the Principal, Dr Bhavnaish Chand Anthal. The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation by students, NSS volunteers, NCC cadets and faculty members. Through awareness messages and slogans, participants highlighted mental health, empathy, social support and early help-seeking. The Poster Making Competition provided students an opportunity to creatively communicate messages on mental health and stigma reduction. The winners were: First Prize - Ms Ashara Rajput; Second Prize - Mr Suraksha Sharma; Third Prize - Mr Manish Singh. The month-long observance will continue with further activities engaging students and the community on different dimensions of mental health and well-being. The inaugural programme concluded with the message that mental health is an essential part of overall health and its promotion is a shared responsibility. |
