GUWAHATI, Oct 7 - World Mental Health Day was celebrated by Destination, a home for differently-abled persons and children, at a programme held at Guwahati Press Club on Friday.
Sumi, Maina and Mridusmita, all inmates of Destination, rendered a touching opening song under the supervision of their music teacher, Mamoni Das. Anchoring the programme, Runjun Kalita, teacher of Education at Morigaon College, informed the audience that even though the World Health Organization has declared October 10 as World Mental Health Day, Destination is celebrating it three days in advance so that the celebrations do not clash with the Durga Puja festival. She also informed the audience that the theme for this year�s celebration is �Mental and Psychological First Aid.�
Explaining the significance of the day, Monmi Das, vice president of Destination, said, �It is important to speak up, to share your point of view with people who may be struggling to explain what they are going through � and help others figure out if they too are showing signs of a mental illness.�
In his address as the chief guest, MLA Siddhartha Bhattacharya appealed to the citizens of the State to be more emphatic with persons who are differently-abled, �after all they too have the right to live with dignity and honour�.
�It would be a great gesture if we all earmark a small amount of our income for the welfare of the differently-abled persons on a regular basis,� he said.
Dr Dipesh Bhagawati, Professor of Psychiatry, Gauhati Medical College, elaborated on the four main components of health � physical, mental, social, and spiritual. He then focussed on the ways by which one can have sound mental health and the required course corrections when things go wrong.
A souvenir titled Ahban was also released on the occasion following which the formal vote of thanks was offered by Rupa Hazarika, president, Destination.
