The Department of Psychology at LSR observes the Mental Health Awareness Week annually to promote a deeper understanding of mental health, well-being, and holistic development among young people. This year, the department marked the occasion from 1 to 9 October 2026 through a range of on- and off-campus activities. Guided by the theme ‘Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change’, identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the week focused on amplifying lived experiences and fostering meaningful social change.
The speaker sessions brought together a diverse range of distinguished resource persons, including Prof. Jyotsna Kalavar of Georgia Gwinnett College, USA; Ms Shaheen Malik, acid attack survivor and Founder and Director of the Brave Souls Foundation; Ms Rashmi Misra, Founder and President of VIDYA, an NGO dedicated to empowering children from disadvantaged communities through education; Dr Priyanka Sharma, Director of the Department of Lifelong Learning at the University of Jammu; Ms Aparna Sanyal, an award-winning filmmaker and director of the documentary A Drop of Sunshine; and research scholar Ms Rashi Kushwaha. Drawing from their experiences of grassroots engagement, the speakers shared insights into their efforts to bring about meaningful change across diverse communities. Their work with children from underserved backgrounds, persons with disabilities and mental health conditions, and older adults illuminated the challenges faced by these groups while also highlighting their resilience.
The discussions underscored the significance of empathy, inclusion and collective responsibility in addressing social inequalities. Their reflections highlighted how young people can contribute to social transformation by questioning stereotypes, advocating for equal opportunities, and developing responses that are sensitive to the unique needs of different communities.
Extending these conversations beyond the speaker sessions, students took an active role in designing and implementing community-oriented initiatives that translated reflection into action. Students staged a nukkad natak on campus, which they had conceptualised, written, and directed independently. Using street theatre as a medium of expression, the performance explored issues of discrimination, microaggressions, and self-acceptance. It sought to initiate conversations around the everyday experiences of exclusion and inclusion, encouraging the audience to reflect on how individual attitudes and social behaviours shape the experiences of others. Additionally, as part of the outreach programme, LSR students conducted a workshop titled ‘Every Student Has a Story’ for students of Classes X and XII at VIDYA’s IIT branch. The workshop addressed themes including academic stress, self-awareness, respect for others, and empathy. Through thoughtfully planned, interactive activities, the facilitators created an encouraging environment in which children could participate, share their perspectives, and reflect on their personal experiences.
By bringing together dialogue, creative expression, and grassroots participation, Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 reaffirmed the Department of Psychology’s commitment to fostering social inclusion, nurturing empathy, and building a more equitable and compassionate society. The week-long initiative offered a meaningful platform for foregrounding lived experiences, encouraging open dialogue, and strengthening the connection between psychological understanding and community engagement. The activities were appreciated for inspiring young people to become more conscious and active contributors to positive social change.