Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 15: The Father Muller Medical College, in collaboration with the district legal services authority, Dakshina Kannada district administration, zilla panchayath, district mental health programme, district health and family welfare department, and the departments of psychiatry and mental health nursing, observed World Mental Health Day 2025 with a meaningful and thought-provoking inaugural ceremony on October 15.

Although World Mental Health Day is globally commemorated on October 10, the event was organized on October 15 due to prior official commitments of the collaborating authorities.

This year’s theme, Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies, highlighted the vital importance of ensuring uninterrupted access to mental health care during crises such as natural disasters, pandemics, and emergencies. As emphasized by the World Federation for Mental Health, “Mental health care is a human right, not a privilege.” The observance reiterated the collective responsibility to build systems that foster resilience, hope, and recovery within communities.

Dignitaries present were:

• Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions

• Jaibunnisa, senior civil judge and member secretary, district legal services authority, Mangaluru

• Dr Shivaprakash, district surgeon, Wenlock Government Hospital, Dakshina Kannada

• Jyothi K Ulepadi, district health education officer, Dakshina Kannada

• Dr Sudarshan C M, health programme implementation officer, Dakshina Kannada

• Dr Prajakta V Rao, psychiatrist, district mental health programme

• Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor, head, department of psychiatry, Father Muller Medical College and Hospital

• Dr Rahul Rao and Dr Justin Shawn Jason, faculty of psychiatry and organizing secretaries of the event

The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor, head of the department of psychiatry, who warmly greeted the dignitaries and participants, emphasizing the institution’s ongoing commitment to mental health promotion and service accessibility.

The chief guest, Jaibunnisa, delivered the inaugural address, drawing attention to the provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, particularly Sections 18–28, which safeguard the rights of individuals with mental illness. She spoke about the establishment of mental health review boards across districts, including Dakshina Kannada, which have expedited support for individuals facing mental health challenges.

She highlighted the judiciary’s role in upholding human dignity and equality, affirming that “every person deserves compassion, regardless of their circumstances.” She also lauded the efforts of doctors and nurses, remarking that their service “is akin to the hands of God,” reflecting deep appreciation for their selfless care.

Dr Shivaprakash, district surgeon, Wenlock Government Hospital, provided a public health perspective on mental well-being. He discussed the growing influence of social media and academic pressures on mental health, emphasizing that “life and learning are more important than mere marks.”

He reminded the audience that happiness lies in simplicity and contentment, stating, “Craving leads to misery; being happy and content is a mastery and a lifestyle.”

As part of the observance, competitions were organized to encourage creative engagement with the theme of mental health.

Essay Writing Competition
Theme – “Overcoming Stigma in Psychiatry and Improving Patient Care: Break Stigma, Bring Hope.”
Open to postgraduate residents from all clinical departments, the competition invited reflections on dismantling stigma and promoting awareness.

Winners:
1st Prize – Dr Yashna Shetty (3rd Year Surgery)
2nd Prize – Dr Vaibhav (1st Year Orthopaedics)
3rd Prize – Dr Jessel D’Souza (3rd Year Ophthalmology)

Digital Poster-Making Competition
Theme – “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
Organized for the nursing students of FMCON.

Winners:
1st – Lester Castelino
2nd – Sushanth S Saliyan
3rd – Sharmila D’Souza

In his presidential address, Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions, reflected on the evolving understanding of mental health in modern society.

He remarked that “every individual faces some form of mental challenge,” emphasizing how reactions today are often disproportionate due to reduced stress-bearing capacity. Drawing from his own experiences, he spoke about the strength that comes from hard work and resilience, observing that “comfort has replaced effort, and with it, we have lost endurance.” He cautioned that modern lifestyles and smaller family structures have led to increased individualism, reminding everyone of the importance of shared living and community.

Jyothi K Ulepadi, district health education officer, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, collaborators, and participants for their invaluable contributions to the success of the event.

The inaugural ceremony was followed by a thematic talk on Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies by Dr Aruna Yadiyal, and an engaging quiz session conducted by Dr Rahul Rao and Dr Justin Shawn Jason, which tested participants’ awareness and understanding of mental health issues.

The programme was efficiently compered by Valerie Lobo and Manisha, clinical psychologists, Father Muller Medical College Hospital, ensuring a seamless and reflective flow throughout the event.

In essence, the World Mental Health Day 2025 observance at Father Muller Medical College was a testament to collaborative efforts across sectors, uniting healthcare, legal, and administrative stakeholders toward a shared vision of accessible and compassionate mental health care for all.