Bhubaneswar: The Department of Psychology, Utkal University on Friday launched a mental health awareness programme to mark the World Mental Health Week from 9th to 15th October 2025.
This year, the theme for World Mental Health Day is “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”. To celebrate the day, the department organised a seminar and released a poster. Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University Prof J. Dandapat, who joined as the Chief Guest, opined that there is no health without mental health. It is important to focus on holistic development of every student.
Prof Mitali Chinara, Chairperson of PG Council, joined the function as the Guest of Honour. She emphasized that awareness of mental health issues need to be widespread so as to remove stigma attached to it.
Dr Swetapadma Dash, CEO of SUM Ultimate Medicare, Bhubaneswar who joined as the Chief Speaker, opined that equity and inclusiveness of mental health services must be the only objective of any efficient healthcare system.
Head of the Department Prof Bhaswati Patnaik, in her welcome address, stressed the importance of the Mental Health Day. The faculty members of the department Mousumi Sethy, Lucy Sonali Hembram, and Sunanda Pattnaik were present.
The Department is also organizing a street play on the campus. This apart, Art Therapy, Digital Media campaign, Myth busting Session, Voices of People on Mental Health etc are scheduled to be conducted throughout this week for raising awareness regarding the importance of mental Health.