Udupi: Regular yoga, meditation and physical exercise can help people manage stress and maintain mental well-being, Lions First Vice District Governor Hariprasad Rai said while emphasising the need for greater awareness of mental health across all age groups.
He was speaking after inaugurating a World Mental Health Day awareness programme at Dr A.V. Baliga Memorial Hospital in Doddanagudde, Udupi.
Rai observed that stress had become an increasingly common part of modern life, affecting people from childhood to old age. While previous generations often led relatively peaceful lives through traditional practices and community activities such as Bhoota Kola, children today face pressure from an early age, including concerns about academic performance and examinations.
Adults, too, experience mental stress for various personal and professional reasons, he noted. Against this backdrop, Rai called for more awareness programmes to help people understand mental health and adopt practices that promote emotional well-being.
He urged people to make yoga, meditation and exercise part of their daily routines to keep both the body and mind free from stress.
Awareness programme marks World Mental Health Day
The programme was jointly organised by Dr A.V. Baliga Memorial Hospital, the Kamala A. Baliga Charitable Trust of Mumbai, Lions Club Manipal, Lions Club of Udupi Lakshya, Lions District 317C and the Indian Medical Association (Udupi Karavali).
The initiative aimed to encourage conversations about mental health, recognise the experiences of people recovering from mental health conditions and highlight the role of caregivers in supporting their recovery.
Psychiatrist Dr Virupaksha Devaramane presided over the programme. Members of the medical fraternity, Lions Club representatives, programme organisers, caregivers and other participants attended the event.
The gathering highlighted the importance of creating an environment in which people can seek support for mental health concerns without hesitation or stigma.
Cultural performances and creative exhibition
Before the main programme, residents and members of the Abhaya, Parivartana and Bandhu day-care centres, along with the Hombelaku facility, presented cultural performances.
An exhibition featuring paintings and creative handicrafts made by the participants was also inaugurated. The exhibition provided an opportunity to showcase their creativity and abilities through art and craftwork.
Such activities can offer avenues for self-expression, social interaction and participation in community life for people receiving mental health support.
The cultural presentations and exhibition formed an important part of the programme, bringing together participants, caregivers and members of the wider community.
Recovering individuals and caregivers felicitated
Individuals who had recovered from mental health issues and were leading fulfilling lives were felicitated during the event. Their caregivers were also honoured in recognition of the support they provide during recovery.
Prizes were distributed to winners of sports and recreational activities organised as part of the initiative.
The recognition highlighted the role of sustained care, encouragement and community support in helping people manage mental health challenges and participate in everyday life.
Caregivers often play an important role in supporting people through treatment and recovery. Acknowledging their contribution also draws attention to the need to provide them with appropriate support and understanding.
Medical and Lions Club representatives attend
Several representatives from the medical sector and Lions organisations were present at the programme.
Those in attendance included Lions Second Vice District Governor Ramananda K., Global Campaigns (Mental Health) Chief Coordinator Raviraja Nayak, Lions Club Manipal president Krishnamurthy Upadhyaya and Lions Club Udupi Lakshya president Harold Soans.
Programme coordinator Dr H. Ganesh Pai, IMA Udupi Karavali president Dr Krishnamurthy Upadhyaya and Dr Manas E.R. were also present.
Hospital administrator Soujanya Shetty welcomed the gathering, while Padma Raghavendra compered the programme. Counsellor Jamila Rahim proposed the vote of thanks.
The event reinforced the importance of public awareness, early support and community participation in addressing mental health concerns.
Call for greater focus on mental well-being
The programme highlighted how mental stress can affect people at different stages of life, from schoolchildren dealing with academic expectations to adults managing personal and professional responsibilities.
The call for daily physical activity, meditation and yoga formed part of a broader message encouraging people to pay attention to their mental well-being.
Alongside individual efforts, awareness initiatives involving hospitals, healthcare professionals, voluntary organisations and community groups can help promote understanding and encourage people to seek appropriate assistance when needed.
Through its World Mental Health Day programme, Dr A.V. Baliga Memorial Hospital and its partner organisations brought together people with lived experience, caregivers and community representatives to highlight the importance of mental health awareness and support.