CHANDIGARH, 10.10.25-The National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE), PGIMER, Chandigarh under the aegis of TNAI observed World Mental Health Day 2025 with a series of awareness and outreach activities focusing on the theme “ Access to Services - Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” under the guidance of Dr. Sukhpal Kaur, President, & Dr. Sunita Sharma, Secretary, TNAI, UT Branch.

The celebrations began on 5th October with a Walkathon organized in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry , from PGI to Sukhna Lake, to spread awareness about mental health and well-being. This was followed by health talks on anger management, stress management, drug-addiction awareness and other mental health concepts conducted by nursing students and faculty at the De-addiction Centre, Psychiatry Ward, and in the community at Sector 25.

On 8th October, nursing students visited a Senior Citizens’ home at Chandigarh, engaging residents through art, music, and dance, bringing warmth and positivity to their day. On 9th October, Laughter Therapy sessions were conducted for sanitation workers and administrative staff of NINE, PGIMER, Chandigarh along with Slogan Writing and Poster-Making Competitions at Government Model School, Sector 25 & NINE, PGI.

A special screening of ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ was also organized for students & staff of NINE, highlighting empathy and emotional sensitivity as core aspects of mental health.

The main event, held on 10th October, featured the unfolding of Dr. Swapanjeet Sahoo , Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER and a spiritual session by the Brahma Kumaris, emphasizing peace, inner balance, and mindfulness as foundations of well-being.

Through these week-long activities, NINE reaffirmed its commitment to promoting mental health awareness, compassion, and inclusivity — echoing the global call that mental health is everyone’s right and everyone’s responsibility.