ICS-NIT Rourkela organises a series of activities to promote psychological wellness celebrating Mental Health Week.
Rourkela: Institute Counselling Services(ICS), NIT Rourkela is conducting Mental Health Week from the 15th to the 17th of October to spread awareness about mental health’s importance and deal with various aspects of mental health. The primary objective of ICS is to encourage a confident outlook among students towards life and establish a balance between one’s academic and personal life. With the help of counselling, one can overcome their immediate problems and enhance their capability to tackle obstacles in future.
On 15.10.2023, the inaugural session started with an address by Prof. Pawan Kumar (Head of Unit, ICS). He said, “Mental and Physical Health should go hand in hand. One of the primary goals of mental health awareness is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues. This stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help and support, leading to untreated conditions. We should always provide our help and support to others and make the world better.”
The programme was then followed by a talk by Chief Guest Sri. Pancharatna Dasa (Regional Vice President of the Akshaya Patra Foundation, Odisha). He talked about the importance of spirituality and consciousness for attaining better mental health and said, “Only when you are fully conscious you can understand what’s going on in your mind. This consciousness gives you the courage to battle with every problem in your life.”
The 1st day of Mental Health Week included a movie screening highlighting the importance of mental health. Many clubs of the Student Activity Centre, NIT Rourkela participated in the programme to spread the message with their club-oriented activities. Akriti Club and Chitraang Club showcased paintings portraying the thoughts of various minds. GTA Club organised Mental Health Games for students. Axiom Club conducted puzzles based on Mental fitness. A ‘Shadow Act’ (Stage Drama) was also organised by C-Cube Club by students of IIT Bhubaneswar who especially came to NIT Rourkela to be a part of this event. The evening of day one concluded with the Pantomime Club’s short drama on ‘Mental Wellness’ and the Kalaam Club’s Poetry Session.
On the second day of the event on 16.10.2023, Mavericks Club presented a dance performance, followed by a melodious singing session by Heartbeats Club and stand-up by One Mic Club. On the success of events, Swapnanil Das (ICS Students Coordinator) said “We are delighted to see the excitement amongst the students for joining in our events, we have been trying to bring a positive change in the lives of the NITR fraternity through our year-round activities, in the coming times we are planning to conduct more such events.”
The last day of the event (on 17.10.2023) will include a mesmerizing street play by Ritvic Club and innovative puzzle-based activities from waste materials by the Print Station Club.