Yesterday, we had a day long interaction with almost 100 students of Psychology and Social Work from almost 15 colleges in Mumbai and Thane District.
As aspiring mental health professionals, they spent the day in delving deep into how the education sector as well as the MH field , like the rest of society, suffers from the same caste, gender, colonial, majoritarian prejudices. It was really encouraging to see so many students not only turn up but be very open and receptive to changing their viewpoint.
"Why are we not taught about ground realities more, we wish to understand and contribute. Please tell us what we can do to be inclusive and sensitive.." as one student emphatically stated.
The highlight of the Conference was the cultural expression by the expert folk artists from Nathpanthi Davri Gosavi community, who are experts in the secret sign language of Shivaji Maharaj's times. There was a standing ovation to their presentation and the audience could connect how the ground has expertise and knowledge in mental relied and release through art and music and dance.
Panelists Meet Tara Dnyaneshwar, Assistant professor with PN Doshi Women's College SNDT and Meghana , a Counselor with experience with trauma survivors and minority communities, started off the day with critical insights into the subject of the day: #MentalHealthandGroundRealities.
The youth led Badlache Parv Kala Manch added very important social and political insights with their movement songs. They also led focus group discussions using games from our #MannMela module.
Last but not least, our #MannBoli book- about the Empowering side of Mental Health was was launched by the hands of the Dean of Humanities, HSNC University, Mumbai and the panelists.
We appreciate the #Psychology Department of Kishinchand Chellaram (KC) College, Mumbai for collaborating and being so open about critical discussions and debate
#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness
