RAJOURI: To mark World Mental Health Day, the Government Post Graduate College Rajouri organized a thought-provoking workshop on the theme “Mental Health: Issues and Concerns.”
The event sought to foster awareness, break stigma, and promote open dialogue on psychological well-being among the youth.
Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Zamir Ahmed Mirza, Principal of the College, presided over the event. The programme was jointly organized by the Department of Sociology and the National Service Scheme (NSS) under the academic supervision of Prof. Khaleeq Ahmed.
In his keynote address, the Deputy Commissioner expressed concern over the growing cases of stress, anxiety, and depression among students and young professionals. He emphasized the need to strengthen psychological resilience, enhance emotional intelligence, and eliminate the social stigma associated with mental health.
During his interaction with students, Mr. Sharma discussed critical issues such as social isolation, digital dependency, and suicidal tendencies, urging the youth to take proactive roles as advocates of mental well-being and peer support within their communities.
Delivering a scholarly presentation, Prof. Khaleeq Ahmed shed light on the biological, social, and cultural dimensions of mental health. He stressed the importance of early intervention, empathetic communication, and institutional support systems to ensure holistic mental wellness.
The workshop began with a welcome address by Prof. Murtaza Ahmed, who underscored the importance of integrating mental health literacy into academic and outreach programmes—setting an insightful tone for the discussions that followed.
The event witnessed active participation from around 300 students and faculty members, who engaged enthusiastically in interactive sessions.
In his presidential address, Prof. Zamir Ahmed Mirza commended the organizers for their efforts and reaffirmed the college’s moral and institutional responsibility to foster environments that support emotional well-being and empathetic dialogue. He also extended gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner for his motivating and insightful contribution.
The workshop concluded with an interactive session and a formal vote of thanks, leaving participants inspired to spread the message of mental health awareness and collective well-being within society.