Information and Public Relations Department Namchi organises Flash Mob to Aware on Mental Health and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

The event was joined by Mr Satish Chandra Rai MLA Namchi-Singhithang as the chief guest. Present amongst others were, Mr Nim Pintso Bhutia SDM HQ, Ms Deepti Pradhan District Information Officer IPR, Ms Sophia Lepcha AD Nutrition Women, Child, Senior Citizens, and Divyangjan Welfare Department (WCSCDWD) along with staff of the IPR and WCSCDWD departments and public at large.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Satish Chandra Rai expressed his gratitude for addressing the pressing issues such as mental health, suidices, drug menace, etc. He underscored a dogmatic and resolute mindset to overcome day-today problems.

Signifying ample opportunities available to educated youth, he said ‘ today’s youth come to me to seek after government jobs and express of aniexty and depression as detterent’. Reiterating, he stated that the youth to clutivate a positive and resilient character filled with optimism to steer the nation towards holistic growth. Further, he added that the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, Sikkim Government has left no stone unturned to support the people, and hence, he requested the youth to opt all avenues.

Alongside advocating for mental well-being, he also drew attention to the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of Namchi, affirming that it is a shared responsibility of all.

Ms Kavya Rai Clinical Psychologist enlightened the rising neurosis disorders including anxiety and depression cases among young people, highlighting various methods to overcome such disorders. She further talked about the management of stress and healthy habits to inculcate by individuals for overall well-being.

She eloquently emphasized the significance of emotional well-being and shed light on the initiatives undertaken by the Namchi District Administration, including the Suicide Prevention Programme, in collaboration with the Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy, Pune.

Further she also informed the gathering about the sucide prevention Helpline number (18003453225/03592-202111) and Call Telemans (14416.1800.8914416) where any individual can feel free to express their concerns and seek help.

Mr Nim Pintso SDM HQ talked about the steady increase of unnatural deaths in the state due to the state of mental health and drug abuse. He stressed that such societal problems need to be combated through an active involvement of all walks of life, and requested to come together to build a society free from such menace.

Ms Sophia Lepcha, AD, WCSCDWD talked about the significance and objectives of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative. She further illuminated various governmental endeavours dedicated to safeguarding and uplifting the welfare of women and children across the nation.

Additionally, she apprised the audience of the launch of the Women Helpline (Toll-Free Number 181) and the Child Helpline (Toll-Free Number 1098), established as vital lifelines to extend support and assistance to those in need.

At the onset, the staff members of the DIC IPR presented flash mob, to garner crowd attention with placards and drawings spreading messages on mental wellness, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign and many other societal problems. An open discussion on enhancing mental health was also conducted, engaging both experts and the public.

During the event, Ms Deepti Pradhan DIO IPR delivered the vote of thanks, while the welcome address was given by Ms Hema Sharma District Mission Coordinator Hub for the Empowerment of Women. The overall programme was anchored by Mr Mibsam Dhungel Junior Information Assistant.