Department of Psychiatry Observes World Mental Health Month 2026 with Month-Long Advocacy and Academic Initiatives at BGS Medical College and Hospital, Nagaruru
The Department of Psychiatry at BGS Medical College and Hospital, a constituent unit of Adichunchanagiri University, successfully concluded a comprehensive month long series of events in observance of World Mental Health Month throughout October 2026. Aligned with the global theme Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change, the initiative was designed to foster a culture of empathy, reduce the prevailing social stigma surrounding mental illness, and encourage proactive mental well-being among the academic and medical communities. The program engaged a diverse cohort of participants, including faculty members and students from the medical, ayurveda, physiotherapy, nursing, and allied health sciences streams.
The month commenced with Mind Quest, a faculty focused quiz competition held on October 8, which aimed to reinforce clinical knowledge and mental health awareness among teaching staff. The intellectual competition saw spirited participation, resulting in a joint first place victory for Team Chitta, led by Dr. Meghana B. S. and her colleagues, and Team Smriti, led by Dr. Sree Latha R. and her team. Team Vichara, comprising representatives from Pediatrics, IHBT, and various junior residents, secured the second prize, demonstrating the interdisciplinary interest in psychiatric education within the institution.
Student engagement was furthered through the MindSpeak Pick Think Express event on October 23, where participants were challenged to articulate their perspectives on complex psychological topics. Srishti Sanjeevakumar, a third year MBBS student, achieved the top honor for her insightful presentation. Following this, the digital and creative dimensions of mental health were explored through the Mind Illustrated competition on October 26. This segment invited students to utilize modern media for advocacy, featuring categories for e-poster presentations and short video reels. Aryan H. Tiwari and the team led by Deepika S. emerged as first prize winners in their respective categories, showcasing how digital storytelling can be a powerful tool for social change.
The observance reached its formal culmination on October 29 with a grand celebration at the Lecture Gallery of the New Building. The event was held under the divine blessings of Paramapoojya Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji. Dr. Veda N. Shetageri welcomed the gathering, followed by a comprehensive activity report presented by Dr. Virupaksha H. S., Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry. The audience was addressed by institutional leaders, including Dr. Krishnamurthy V. R., Chief of Hospital, who underscored the hospital’s commitment to holistic patient care.
The final ceremony was distinguished by the presence of prominent external experts. Chief Guest Dr. Rajani P., Deputy Director of the Department of Mental Health and Family Welfare for the Government of Karnataka, delivered an address on the importance of integrating lived experiences into public health policy. Guest of Honour Dr. Padmakshi Lokesh, Secretary of the Sejal New Life Foundation, also shared her expertise on the transformative power of advocacy. The event concluded with a formal prize distribution ceremony and a vote of thanks by Ms. Rajashree M. Puttanna, marking the end of a successful initiative that significantly strengthened the institutional focus on mental health advocacy and education.
