Date: 4 October 2025
4th October 2025
A telecast of the ‘Sahyog’ and ‘Paricharcha’ sessions under the Manodarpan initiative by
NCERT was organized on the theme “Mental Health and Society: Breaking Barriers and
Building Support.” The session focused on the importance of mental well-being for students,
parents, and teachers. Experts Dr. Albert Horo and Dr. R. Zothanliana Liana emphasized that mental health is equally important as physical health and plays a vital role in helping individuals cope with life’s challenges.
They discussed various barriers to mental well-being, such as stigma, lack of awareness, economic and geographical difficulties, and cultural or language differences. Stigma—both public and self—often prevents people from seeking help due to fear of judgment or rejection.
To overcome these barriers, the speakers stressed the need for early education and awareness,
inclusion of mental health in the school curriculum, use of technology for online counselling, community involvement, and strong government support and policies.
The experts also highlighted the importance of building supportive systems through public awareness campaigns, peer support groups, trained counsellors, and family and social networks.
They emphasized that creating a supportive and inclusive society requires empathy, understanding, and acceptance—especially from parents and teachers who play a crucial role in shaping children’s mental resilience.
Through this telecast, students learned the importance of maintaining good mental health and realized that it is normal to feel stressed or sad at times. They understood that seeking help is a sign of strength and that open communication with teachers, counselors, and parents can make a positive difference. The session encouraged them to practice empathy, support their peers, and cultivate healthy habits for emotional well-being. It concluded with a powerful message that mental health is everyone’s responsibility, and by breaking stigma and building supportive
environments, we can ensure a happier and healthier society for all.
6th October
The Mental Health Week Assembly conducted by Grade 9 students, under the guidance of the school counsellor, focused on spreading awareness about emotional well-being and breaking the
stigma around mental health. The assembly highlighted that mental health is just as important as physical health, reminding everyone that it is okay to have tough days and that seeking help is a
sign of strength, not weakness. Students shared that Mental Health Week encourages open conversations about feelings and that World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, reminds us to prioritize self-care and empathy in our daily lives.
A special segment of the assembly featured four beautifully decorated mantras, created and presented by the students.
“I am doing my best, and that is enough,”
“It’s okay to not be okay,”
“I am stronger than my struggles,”
“I am not alone”
These mantras were held up and explained by the participants, inspiring everyone to stay positive and emotionally strong. The assembly also emphasized the power of kindness, encouraging
students to support one another through simple acts like a smile, a kind word, or checking in on a friend. The event concluded with a heartfelt message that mental health matters for everyone,
and that by showing empathy, understanding, and openness, we can build a caring and supportive school environment. The session helped students realize that maintaining mental health is an ongoing journey and that together, we can create a community where everyone feels valued, supported, and heard.
After the Assembly, students felt a renewed sense of connection, comfort, and empowerment. The open discussions and positive affirmations helped normalize conversations around emotional
well-being, allowing many to feel seen and understood. Messages like “It’s okay to not be okay” and “I am not alone” reassured students that struggling with mental health is a shared human experience, not something to be hidden or ashamed of. The beautifully presented mantras inspired them to reflect on their own feelings and reminded them of the strength they hold within. Many students felt encouraged to be more empathetic and supportive toward their peers, realizing that simple acts of kindness can make a big difference. The assembly helped create a safe and inclusive atmosphere where students could acknowledge their emotions, support one another, and understand that mental health is a vital part of overall well-being. It left a lasting impact, encouraging ongoing conversations and fostering a stronger, more compassionate school community.
Gratitude Wall
As part of Mental Health Week, a special activity titled “Gratitude Wall” was organized to help students express appreciation and acknowledge the people and moments that bring positivity into their
lives. The wall was beautifully decorated and displayed in the school corridor, creating a cheerful space where students could share their thoughts and feelings of gratitude.
Colorful sticky notes were provided to students, who eagerly participated by writing heartfelt messages to their parents, friends, teachers, and classmates. Many students felt genuinely happy and
engaged with the activity, writing on three to four notes each to express gratitude for different people who made a difference in their lives. The wall soon turned into a bright and inspiring collage of
thankful messages, filled with love, positivity, and joy. This activity encouraged students to pause and reflect on the good things around them, fostering emotional well-being and
strengthening connections within the school community. The Gratitude Wall stood as a beautiful reminder that expressing thankfulness not only uplifts others but also brings inner happiness and
peace. Students wrote heartfelt notes on the Gratitude Wall, thanking friends for their support and smiles, family for love and encouragement, teachers for their guidance and patience, and the school for
providing a safe and caring environment. Messages like “Thank you for always being there,” “I’m grateful for your support,” and “Thanks for making school feel like home” reflected genuine appreciation. The wall became a colorful and uplifting display of thankfulness, reminding everyone of the joy in expressing gratitude. Throughout the day, after participating in the Gratitude Wall activity and the Mental Health Week assembly, students felt more positive, uplifted, and emotionally connected. Expressing gratitude and hearing supportive messages helped many experience a sense of inner peace and happiness. They felt lighter, more reflective, and appreciative of the people around them. Some students mentioned feeling more motivated and calm, while others shared that the activities made them realize they’re not alone in their struggles. Overall, the day left students with a deeper understanding of emotional well-being and a stronger sense of belonging within the school community.
10th October
As part of our initiative to promote healthy lifestyle habits and encourage mindfulness among young learners, students from Grades 1 and 2 were taken on a teacher-guided educational visit to
Cubbon Park. The aim of this visit was to help children connect with nature, enhance their sensory awareness, and practice mindful observation in a calm and natural setting. The day began with excited faces as the students arrived at the park, eager to explore the greenery around them. Teachers guided the children through a mindful nature walk, encouraging them to notice the sounds of birds, rustling leaves, and distant traffic, as well as the variety of colors, shapes, and movements in their surroundings. They were invited to touch different textures—like the roughness of tree bark or the softness of fallen petals—and to observe insects, flowers, and patterns in the leaves and sky. Students also practiced being silent observers during a “quiet walk,” where they focused on breathing and listening closely to the world around them. Alongside these mindful activities, children enjoyed playing freely and spending joyful moments with their friends, strengthening bonds through laughter and shared discoveries.
After the walk, the group gathered under the shade of a large tree, where teachers led a storytelling session inspired by nature, followed by open-ended questions that allowed students to share their
thoughts and feelings. Many students described the experience as peaceful and fun, with comments such as “I never noticed how many colors leaves have,” or “I liked listening to the wind in the trees.”
These reflections highlighted how even young children can become more attentive and thoughtful when given space and guidance.
Teachers observed a calmness in the group that grew as the day progressed, along with greater cooperation and awareness among the students. The visit to Cubbon Park was not only a refreshing break from the classroom but also a valuable lesson in being present, appreciating nature, and slowing down to notice the beauty in small things. This mindful, sensory-rich experience deeply supported the emotional and mental well-being of the children, and it reaffirmed the importance of incorporating nature-based learning into our educational approach.
The students wholeheartedly participated in the Mental Health Week celebrations, engaging in various activities that promoted awareness, self-care, and emotional well-being. The week served
as an important reminder of the need to prioritize mental health and foster a safe, supportive
environment in schools.
We express our sincere gratitude to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for initiating and supporting this meaningful program. The students truly appreciated the opportunity
to learn more about mental wellness and to take part in open, thoughtful conversations that help reduce stigma and build empathy.
With continued support and awareness, the students hope to carry the message of Mental Health Week forward — creating a more caring and understanding community for all.
