Mangaluru: A momentous event is on the horizon as Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and Dr A V Baliga Memorial Hospital, Udupi, join forces to mark World Mental Health Awareness Week 2023. This event promises to be a day of enlightenment and inspiration, focusing on mental health and well-being.
Under the visionary leadership of Dr Geetha Maiya, Director of Student Affairs at MAHE, the Department of Student Affairs, in collaboration with Dr A V Baliga Memorial Hospital, has meticulously crafted a series of impactful programs aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues and offering vital support.
Notable among these initiatives is a compelling street play on mental health, presented by ADA Dramatics – MIT, Manipal. The program was graced by esteemed dignitaries, with Dr K Vidya Kumari, IAS, District Commissioner of Udupi, honoured as the Chief Guest, and Dr H.S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of MAHE, presiding over the event. The occasion also welcomed Avelo Roy, M D of Kolkata Ventures, and Dr Padmaraj Hegde, Dean of KMC Manipal, who served as Guests of Honour.
A significant highlight of the event was the unveiling of “Hitaishi,” an insightful newsletter initiated by the Department of Student Affairs at MAHE with a noble mission to foster a culture of mental well-being. Dr H. S Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of MAHE, along with other dignitaries, graced the occasion with their presence.
In addition to the newsletter launch, the event featured introductions to the distinguished guests and compelling addresses by renowned personalities, including Dr K Vidya Kumari, IAS, District Commissioner of Udupi, and Dr Padmaraj Hegde, Dean of KMC, Manipal.
To commemorate World Mental Health Day on 10 Oct 2023, the Department of Student Affairs at MAHE, in collaboration with FITBIV, KMC Manipal, and the Sports Committee of KMC Manipal, organised a Mental Health Awareness Marathon. This extraordinary event also served as a tribute to the 125th anniversary of Dr TMA Pai, the esteemed founder of our university.
With an enthusiastic participation of over 800 individuals, the marathon was not only a physical challenge but a visual representation of unity, with all participants wearing a common white colour theme to signify their shared commitment to mental health awareness and their homage to Dr TMA Pai’s enduring legacy. Dr Geetha Maiya, Director of Student Affairs at MAHE, warmly welcomed the participants.
Insightful words were shared by the honourable dignitaries, including Dr M.D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor MAHE, and Dr H.S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of MAHE, emphasised the significance of caring for one’s mental health and highlighted the progress made in this domain over the years.
The event saw the presence of several distinguished personalities, including the Pro vice-chancellors of MAHE, Dr Narayana Sabahit and Dr Sharath K Rao, Registrar Dr Giridhar Kini, MAHE officials, Sports Secretary MAHE, Dr Vinod Nayak, and Heads of Institutions from various MAHE colleges.
This collaborative effort between MAHE and Dr A V Baliga Memorial Hospital serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to promoting mental health awareness and well-being, not only within the academic community but also in the broader community. This event is set to be a day of enlightenment, inspiration, and shared dedication to supporting mental health.
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