The Department of Psychiatry at VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital inaugurated the World Mental Health Week 2025 celebrations with great enthusiasm under the banner of ‘Mann Mahotsav’, marking the beginning of a week dedicated to spreading awareness, breaking stigma, and promoting open conversations around mental health.

The celebrations began with a colorful awareness march on the hospital campus, led by Director Dr. Sandeep Bansal, Principal Dr. Geetika Khanna, Additional Medical Superintendents, and Head of the Department of Psychiatry Dr. Pankaj Verma, along with faculty members, residents, students, and hospital staff. The event aimed to inspire collective responsibility toward mental well-being and encourage people to seek help without fear or hesitation.

This year’s World Mental Health Week focuses on the theme “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” In line with this, Mann Mahotsav will feature a series of interactive and educational events throughout the week, including a PG Quiz Competition on psychiatry and mental health, Poster and Painting Competitions to creatively express awareness messages, a Mic Drop Event amplifying youth voices on mental well-being, and a Panel Discussion featuring experts who will deliberate on the challenges and solutions to ensuring mental health access during crises and emergencies.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sandeep Bansal emphasised that mental health care is a shared social responsibility, stating that “it is crucial to ensure that mental health services reach the most deprived and vulnerable sections of society.” Dr. Geetika Khanna, Principal of VMMC, highlighted the role of youth in driving the message of awareness forward, calling them the “torchbearers of change.” Dr. Pankaj Verma, Head of Psychiatry, described the week-long event as “an opportunity to foster a supportive and inclusive environment that values emotional and psychological well-being.”

The Department of Psychiatry has invited students, faculty, staff, and the larger community to join the Mann Mahotsav 2025 celebrations and collectively stand in support of mental health—echoing the global call for compassion, accessibility, and resilience in times of crisis.