Introduction and Objectives

The Department of Psychiatry and Psychology at B. K. L. Walawalkar Hospital and Medical College observed World Mental Health Day 2026 through a week of interactive, creative, educational and recreational activities, culminating in a special programme on 10 October 2026. Guided by the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” the celebration highlighted the importance of listening to people’s lived experiences, seeking help without hesitation, reducing stigma and building a supportive campus and community.

The activities were planned for hospital staff, faculty, junior residents, students and the wider community. The objectives were to promote stress management and emotional well-being; encourage healthy, screen-free recreation and social connection; improve awareness of mental health conditions and dementia; communicate the importance of early help-seeking; and provide platforms where students, staff and people receiving mental health care could express themselves and feel heard.

Activities Conducted During the Week

1 October – “RESET”: Stress Management Workshop

The week began with “RESET,” a stress-management workshop for hospital staff, faculty members and junior residents. The activity emphasised the importance of recognising stress, making time for self-care and developing healthier ways to manage the demands of professional and personal life. It also reinforced that looking after one’s own mental health is an essential part of caring for others.

2 October – Reel-Making and Poster Competition

A reel-making and poster competition invited participants to communicate mental health messages through creative and accessible formats. The activities encouraged students and staff to share awareness messages, challenge misconceptions and use visual and digital media constructively to promote understanding and acceptance of mental health concerns.

3 October – “Manakallol”: Traditional Games and Recreation

“Manakallol” brought back traditional childhood games, including hopscotch, Jod Sakhali, Lagori, tug of war, Sagargote, Rumal Pani, Talyat Malyat and Kanda Fodi, along with other familiar outdoor games. The programme was designed to give students a break from academic pressure and excessive phone use while encouraging movement, teamwork, laughter and face-to-face interaction. By revisiting games played during school days, participants were reminded that simple shared activities can offer relaxation and strengthen social bonds.

4 October – Film Screening: “Smile Please”

Students attended a screening of “Smile Please,” a film centred on dementia. The screening provided an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of individuals living with dementia and the people who care for them. It encouraged empathy, awareness and a more compassionate understanding of the challenges associated with cognitive decline and caregiving.

5 October – Mental Health Awareness Street Play

Students from the Psychology Department visited Sawarde High School and performed a street play on the importance of asking for help when experiencing mental health difficulties. The performance used an engaging, community-friendly approach to communicate that emotional distress should not be ignored and that speaking to a trusted person or seeking professional support is a positive and courageous step.

6 October – “क्षणभर विश्रांती”: Talent Show

The talent show “क्षणभर विश्रांती” offered students and staff a welcoming platform to present their abilities through songs, dance and acting. Beyond entertainment, the programme aimed to provide a refreshing pause from routine responsibilities, encourage self-expression and create an environment in which participants felt recognised, appreciated and heard.

7 October – Interdepartmental Treasure Hunt

An interdepartmental treasure hunt brought participants together through clues, problem-solving and teamwork. The activity offered a light-hearted break from daily academic and work pressures while encouraging cooperation, communication and friendly interaction among departments.

8 October – “Stories on the Ramp” and Rangoli Competition

The fashion show “Stories on the Ramp” presented selected psychiatric conditions through themed characters and portrayals. It aimed to help the audience recognise possible signs of mental health difficulties and, importantly, understand how to respond with empathy, support and appropriate help rather than judgement or stigma. A rangoli competition was also held for students and staff, providing a creative outlet for expression and participation.

10 October – World Mental Health Day: Valedictory Programme

The concluding programme was held on 10 October 2026. Dr. Rajesh Gaikwad, Assistant Director, Health Services, Public Health Department, and National President of the All India Federation of Government Doctors Association (AIFGDA), addressed the gathering. His message encouraged students to help destigmatise mental health concerns, listen without prejudice and contribute to a culture in which people feel safe to speak about their experiences and seek support.

The programme sequence included the inauguration, the guest address, a street-play/skit presentation, an instrumental music performance by Nursing students, and poetry recitations by Psychology and MBBS students. Prize distribution followed for the rangoli, poster, reel-making and treasure-hunt competitions. As a gesture of encouragement, trophies were presented to former patients who had continued their treatment, recognising their commitment and offering motivation for ongoing care. The programme concluded with videos featuring patients’ experiences, bringing the central theme to life by placing real voices and lived experiences at the heart of the celebration.

Impact and Conclusion

The week brought together education, recreation, creativity, community outreach and personal storytelling. The stress-management workshop highlighted staff well-being; traditional games and the treasure hunt offered healthy opportunities for relaxation and connection; the film screening and fashion show promoted awareness and empathy; and the school street play encouraged help-seeking. Creative competitions, performances and patient-experience videos provided opportunities for expression and recognition.

Overall, World Mental Health Day 2026 reinforced the message that mental health is everyone’s concern and that meaningful change begins when people listen, respond with compassion and make support accessible. The Department of Psychiatry and Psychology extends its appreciation to the guest, participating students, staff, faculty, organising teams and all contributors who helped make the celebration possible. The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting mental well-being, reducing stigma and ensuring that every voice is heard.