Chittha Deepthi – Unravel Mind’s Brilliance” and DHWANI at BGS Medical College and Hospital, Nagarur
Introduction
The Department of Psychiatry at BGS Medical College and Hospital, Nagarur, continues to actively promote mental health awareness, student well-being, and community engagement through various academic and outreach initiatives. During February 2026, the department conducted a mental well-being module for medical students and participated in an external collaborative event focusing on mental health, creativity, and resilience.
Event Proceedings
As part of its student well-being initiatives, the department organized “Chittha Deepthi – Unravel Mind’s Brilliance,” a mental well-being module for MBBS students. The session for First Year MBBS students was conducted on 27th February 2026 by Dr Akhila K and Dr Lahari R, Senior Residents, under the guidance of Dr Virupaksha H S, Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry. The introductory session addressed the transition from school to medical college and the challenges associated with adapting to the academic and personal demands of medical education.
The session for Second Year MBBS students was conducted on 28th February 2026 by Dr Rishika Singh Thakur M, Senior Resident, along with Ms Rajashree M Puttanna, Clinical Psychologist from the Department of Psychiatry. This session focused on recognizing and managing academic stress commonly experienced by medical students. Both sessions incorporated relaxation techniques and interactive discussions that encouraged students to adopt effective coping strategies and enhance their overall mental well-being.
In addition to student-focused initiatives, Dr Virupaksha H S was invited to participate in a fireside chat on “Mental Health, Creativity, and Entrepreneurial Resilience” during the program DHWANI – Chapter 2: Art Enterprise and Journeys of Queer Resilience. The event was organized by Solidarity Foundation in collaboration with HCL Foundation and was held on 24th February 2026 at Alliance Francaise de Bangalore.
During the discussion, Dr. Virupaksha shared insights from a psychiatric and mental health perspective, highlighting the importance of affirmative mental health support, psychological resilience, and inclusive care systems for gender-diverse individuals. The session explored the intersection of mental health, creativity, and entrepreneurial resilience within queer communities, particularly in the context of artistic expression and community-led enterprises.
Key Highlights
• Conduct of the “Chittha Deepthi – Unravel Mind’s Brilliance” mental well-being module for MBBS students.
• Sessions addressing transition challenges, academic stress, and coping strategies among medical students.
• Practical relaxation techniques and interactive discussions to promote psychological well-being.
• Representation of the department at the DHWANI – Chapter 2 program focusing on mental health, creativity, and queer resilience.
• Meaningful dialogue involving community entrepreneurs, NGO representatives, government officials, and mental health professionals on inclusive mental health support systems.
Conclusion
These initiatives reflect the commitment of the Department of Psychiatry at BGS Medical College and Hospital to fostering mental well-being among medical students while also contributing to broader discussions on mental health, inclusivity, and community resilience. The “Chittha Deepthi” program will continue as a regular monthly initiative involving students from all professional years, further strengthening the institution’s efforts toward promoting mental health awareness and supportive learning environments.
