CHANDIGARH, 05.10.25-The Department of Psychiatry, in collaboration with the Association for Research and Development (ARD) and the National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE), PGIMER Chandigarh, organized a Walkathon on the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2025 on October 10, 2025.

This year’s global theme "Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies"— emphasizes the critical need to ensure that individuals are able to protect and preserve their mental health during times of crisis, conflict, and global instability. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about mental health challenges faced during disasters and emergencies and to highlight available avenues for help, including TeleMANAS, India’s national tele-mental health helpline.

The Walkathon was flagged off by DR Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, in the presence of senior faculty, staff, and students. More than 400 participants, including faculty members, residents, nursing students, and other staff, took part with great enthusiasm.

Prof. Subho Chakrabarti, Acting Head of the Department of Psychiatry, along with all faculty members from the department, graced the occasion. Several former faculty members of the department also participated, reflecting the strong sense of continuity and commitment to mental health advocacy at PGIMER.

The event was also attended by Prof. Vipin Kaushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER, and Prof. Sadhna Lal, Head of the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, who extended their support to the initiative.

The ARD team, led by Dr. Prakriti Joshi and Dr. Punit Kuntal, played a pivotal role in organizing the event. Students from NINE presented a thematic skit at Sukhna Lake Front, dramatizing the importance of mental health care access during catastrophes and emergencies, and spreading awareness about TeleMANAS and its role in providing accessible, round-the-clock mental health support.

The event concluded with an appeal to the public to prioritize mental health, support one another in times of crisis, and make use of available mental health services such as TeleMANAS to seek timely help.
Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, highlighted the crucial link between physical and mental health. He commended the enthusiastic participation of faculty, students, and staff, and applauded the organizing team led by Dr. Rahul Chakravarty for their efforts in promoting mental health awareness. Prof. Lal also expressed his appreciation for such initiatives and conveyed his desire to see more events of this nature in the future.