Mangaluru: The Father Muller Medical College (FMMC), in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority, Dakshina Kannada District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, District Mental Health Programme, District Health and Family Welfare Department, and the Departments of Psychiatry and Mental Health Nursing, observed World Mental Health Day 2025 with a meaningful and thought-provoking inaugural ceremony on October 15, 2025.

Although World Mental Health Day is globally commemorated on October 10, the event was held on the 15th due to prior official commitments of the collaborating authorities.

Theme: Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies

This year’s global theme, “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” underscored the importance of ensuring uninterrupted access to mental health care during crises such as natural disasters, pandemics, and emergencies.

As highlighted by the World Federation for Mental Health, “Mental health care is a human right, not a privilege.” The event emphasised the shared responsibility of society to foster resilience, compassion, and recovery in times of adversity.

Dignitaries and Guests

The programme was graced by an eminent panel of dignitaries:

  • Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI)

  • Ms Jaibunnisa, Senior Civil Judge and Member Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Mangaluru

  • Dr Shivaprakash, District Surgeon, Wenlock Government Hospital, Dakshina Kannada

  • Mrs Jyothi K. Ulepadi, District Health Education Officer, Dakshina Kannada

  • Dr Sudarshan C.M., Health Programme Implementation Officer, Dakshina Kannada

  • Dr Prajakta V. Rao, Psychiatrist, District Mental Health Programme

  • Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor, Head, Department of Psychiatry, FMMC

  • Dr Rahul Rao and Dr Justin Shawn Jason, Faculty of Psychiatry & Organising Secretaries

Inaugural Address: Mental Health and Human Rights

Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor welcomed the gathering, reaffirming Father Muller’s long-standing commitment to mental health awareness and accessibility.

In her inaugural address, Chief Guest Ms Jaibunnisa emphasised the significance of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, specifically Sections 18–28, which guarantee the rights of individuals with mental illness. She also highlighted the role of Mental Health Review Boards in providing timely redressal and assistance.

“Every person deserves compassion, regardless of their circumstances,” she stated, commending healthcare professionals for their service, which she described as “the hands of God” in action.

Public Health Perspective and Insights

Dr Shivaprakash, District Surgeon, shared a public health viewpoint, focusing on the mental health challenges arising from academic stress and social media pressures.

“Life and learning are more important than mere marks,” he reminded the audience, urging them to value emotional well-being.

He added that “craving leads to misery; being happy and content is a mastery and a lifestyle,” resonating with the theme of self-awareness and resilience.

Competitions to Promote Awareness

As part of the observance, two competitions were held to engage students and healthcare professionals creatively:

1. Essay Writing Competition

Theme: “Overcoming Stigma in Psychiatry and Improving Patient Care: Break Stigma, Bring Hope.”
Open to: Postgraduate residents from all clinical departments.

Winners:

  • 1st Prize – Dr Yashna Shetty (3rd Year Surgery)

  • 2nd Prize – Dr Vaibhav (1st Year Orthopaedics)

  • 3rd Prize – Dr Jessel D’Souza (3rd Year Ophthalmology)

2. Digital Poster-Making Competition

Theme: “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
Open to: Nursing students of Father Muller College of Nursing (FMCON).

Winners:

  • 1st – Lester Castelino

  • 2nd – Sushanth S. Saliyan

  • 3rd – Sharmila D’Souza

Presidential Address: A Call for Endurance and Empathy

In his presidential address, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo reflected on the changing perceptions of mental health in contemporary society.

“Every individual faces some form of mental challenge,” he noted, adding that reduced stress tolerance has made emotional resilience weaker.

He observed that modern lifestyles and smaller family units have led to greater individualism, cautioning that “comfort has replaced effort, and with it, we have lost endurance.” He urged participants to embrace shared living and community support as essential pillars of mental well-being.

Valedictory Note and Thematic Talk

Mrs Jyothi K. Ulepadi, District Health Education Officer, expressed gratitude to all collaborators and participants for their active involvement.

The inaugural ceremony was followed by a thematic talk on “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” by Dr Aruna Yadiyal, and an interactive quiz session conducted by Dr Rahul Rao and Dr Justin Shawn Jason, which tested participants’ awareness of mental health challenges.

The event was smoothly compered by Ms Valerie Lobo and Ms Manisha, Clinical Psychologists at FMMC Hospital, ensuring an engaging and insightful flow throughout the programme.

A Collective Step Toward Compassionate Care

The observance of World Mental Health Day 2025 at Father Muller Medical College served as a powerful testament to intersectoral collaboration, uniting healthcare, legal, and administrative stakeholders in a shared mission — to promote accessible, empathetic, and inclusive mental health care for all.