NEWS
“Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives”: Seminar on Mental Well-being at Guwahati
In the heart of Guwahati, amidst the tranquil beauty of the Brahmaputra river, a beacon of hope shone brightly on a crisp March morning. Organised with meticulous care and dedication, a one-day seminar on mental well-being with the theme “Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives” unfolded at the esteemed Don Bosco Institute, Kharguli, Guwahati. The event drew a diverse crowd, including priests, religious, teachers, university students, youth leaders, staff, and lay leaders from various parishes and Salesian centres. Led by Fr. Marcus, the Youth Commission delegate of the Province of Guwahati, the event commenced with an aura of warmth and reverence as distinguished guests and esteemed resource persons were welcomed with traditional ‘phoolan gamochas’ and bouquets.
Fr Januarius Sangma, Provincial of Guwahati, set the tone for the day with his address, envisioning a holistic growth and transformation echoing Don Bosco’s timeless vision. Dr Loya Agarwala, a beacon of wisdom in psychology, captivated the audience with her keynote address, unravelling the intricate connection between mind and body and shedding light on the pathways to happiness and well-being.
The Seminar, a confluence of minds and expertise, delved into diverse dimensions of mental health. From understanding the nuances of substance abuse and addiction with Dr Jyotirmoy Das to advocating for nurturing environments for adolescents with Dr Gayathri Mammen and exploring the societal impact of mental health issues with Dr Lovinia Adella Mary Lyngdoh, each session was a voyage of enlightenment and empowerment.
The highlight of the day was a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Dr Chandita Baruah, HOD Dept of Psychology, Assam Don Bosco University, which engaged the attendees in exploring strategies for mental well-being, emphasising proactive intervention and recognition of early indicators of distress. Dr Maria Choudhury adeptly directed the Seminar, seamlessly guiding the sessions and proceedings with grace and expertise.
Fr Jimmy Sangma SDB, representing the Youth Commission of Guwahati Province, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all contributors, the resource persons whose insights enriched the gathering. The Seminar concluded with a resounding call to nurture healthier minds and lives and pave the way for a brighter, more compassionate future. Fr Lukose Cheruvalel SDB, the Co-ordinator of YaR Commission, who had spearheaded the Seminar, felt satisfied with the outcome of the Seminar and expressed that a ripple effect will be created across all north-east in the coming days.
The Seminar was jointly organised by the Young-at-Risk (YaR) Commission and Youth Commission in collaboration with the Department of Psychology, Assam Don Bosco University and supported by Bosco Reach Out, Snehalaya, Navaprerona Counselling Centre and Don Bosco Institute.
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