Become a Contributor
Every year on October 10th, the world observes World Mental Health Day to raise awareness about mental health issues, challenge the stigma surrounding them, and promote open dialogue about emotional well-being. This day serves as a reminder that mental health is as vital as physical health, encouraging individuals and communities to support one another with empathy and understanding.
As part of the celebration, the Our Responsibility to Children (ORC) programme conducted a special session at the East Coast Institute of Medical Sciences – College of Nursing. The programme brought together 60 young nursing students, who are preparing to serve as future healthcare professionals, for an engaging and insightful session on self-awareness, self-love, communication, interpersonal relationships, and teamwork. The session was led by ORC team members who shared practical tools and reflections to help participants care for themselves while learning to connect compassionately with others.
The day’s activities were structured around interactive modules that combined learning with creative participation:
Self-Awareness (Random Walk):Students explored awareness at physical, mental, and emotional levels, learning how to recognize equality, handle distractions, and respond thoughtfully in challenging situations.
Self-Love (Chart Activity – “What is Beauty?”):Through discussions and visual exercises, participants reflected on myths and facts surrounding beauty, the influence of social media, and self-perception before and after adolescence. The session encouraged self-compassion and discouraged self-comparison.
Communication (Connecting through Barriers):Activities focused on improving verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, and using empathetic and respectful language, with attention to how digital platforms shape communication habits.
Interpersonal Relationships (Touch Your Friend):Students engaged in a calm reflective exercise to understand emotional boundaries, personal space, empathy, and the importance of mutual respect. The session helped them embrace self-acceptance, reduce feelings of inferiority, and strengthen their ability to work collaboratively.
Teamwork (Fantasy Football):A fun yet insightful activity promoting critical thinking, decision-making, and group coordination through team-based problem-solving.
Positive Gossiping (Poster Making):The day concluded with a creative poster-making session centered on mental health awareness, coping techniques, building support systems, and prioritizing self-care.
Through these activities, students gained greater understanding of self-awareness, self-love, effective communication, interpersonal relationships, teamwork, and decision-making. In addition, 15 students (14 boys and 1 girl) received individual counselling sessions, offering them personal guidance and emotional support in a safe, confidential space.
The ORC team also participated in the Unity Day celebration at the college, serving as judges for a drawing and debate competition on the theme “Bringing the Future Together.” Invitations were also distributed to extend the Mental Health Day celebrations to schools across Puducherry, amplifying awareness within the larger educational community.
Through these efforts, the ORC programme continues to advocate for holistic mental well-being—helping young people build emotional resilience, nurture compassion, and carry forward the message that caring for the mind is integral to caring for life itself.
If you have an innovative idea for bringing a positive change in Puducherry, please join hands by sharing it with us in driving Puducherry to become a model Union Territory.
September 2025 was a month of learning, reflection, and growth under the Our Responsibility to Children (ORC)initiative. Through life skill training, ..
Mental Health ORC July 2025 – Strengthening Minds, Building Communities July 2025 was a month of meaningful engagement and far-reaching impact for the Our Responsibility to Children (ORC)program. Through a blend of teacher..
July 2025 was a month of meaningful engagement and far-reaching impact for the Our Responsibility to Children (ORC)program. Through a blend of teacher..