Program organized at Women’s Polytechnic Institute on World Mental Health Day

The Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti organized a program at the Government Women’s Polytechnic Institute on World Mental Health Day. The program aimed to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and discuss the challenges associated with it, especially among youth.
On this occasion, Satyawan Pundir, State Secretary of Himachal Gyan Vigyan, stated that there is a great need to communicate with students on World Mental Health Day, as today’s students and youth are suffering from severe stress. Due to stress and pressure related to studies, results, career, employment, family, and other issues, a segment of today’s youth is falling prey to drug addiction. To address this, the Gyan Vigyan Samiti has launched an intensive campaign, calling this fight against drug addiction the “Save the Youth Campaign.”
Retired psychologist Dr. Ravi Bhushan presented on various aspects of mental health and discussed with the students. He explained that substance abuse has complex effects on brain chemistry, including dopamine release, reward system activation, and neurotransmitter imbalances.
He attempted to explain mental health simply through the Prema Model. He explained that factors such as genetic predisposition, environmental influences, lifestyle, biological and psychological factors have a profound impact on mental health.
Advocate Rajiv Sharma discussed the legal complexities and explained that jail and the legal process lead to criminalization of addicts. The importance of collective efforts, early intervention, and emotional resilience is essential to promote positive mental health.
Retired Himachal Pradesh Administrative Officer Ravindra Sharma emphasized the need to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness and encourage open discussion and community support. Urmil Thakur thanked the institute’s administration and students for actively participating and discussing this important event.
Jaspal Singh, Programme Incharge of Polytechnic Institute, welcomed the members and resource persons from Solan District and State unit of Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti.
Present on the occasion were the Principal of the Institute, State Joint Secretary Sita Ram Thakur, retired DPE Urmil Thakur, Health Teacher Jayant Sharma, Health Supervisor Devendra Sharma and other members.