18.10.2021: Governor inaugurates Seminar on ‘Mental Health Problems: A Growing Concern’

Adopt Holistic Approach to address mental illness: Governor Koshyari

Governor inaugurates Seminar on ‘Mental Health Problems: A Growing Concern’

Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari presided over a Seminar on ‘Mental Health Problems – A Growing Concern’ at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai on Sunday (17 Oct). The Seminar aimed at creating awareness about mental health and problems was organised by the Bombay Psychiatric Society.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Koshyari stressed the need for adopting a holistic approach to addressing the problems of mental health. Stating that the Bhagwad Gita begins with the chapter on Arjuna’s depression and ends with the way to salvation, he urged mental health professionals to study ancient scriptures, literature and philosophy that may hold new perspectives for them.

Consulting psychiatrist Dr Kersi Chavda said mental health problems are growing among children. He said 10 per cent of the children in the age group of 5 -16 were found to have diagnosable mental problems; however almost 70 per cent of these did not have any medical intervention. He said the COVID 19 pandemic had increased the rate of mental health disorder. He said WHO had predicted that by 2021, twenty per cent of India will suffer from mental illness.

Dr Avinash Desouza, President of Bombay Psychiatric Society recommended every school having a psychologist. He felt that the subject of mental health should be taught to students in schools.

Consul General of Singapore in Mumbai Ming Foong, Consul General of Israel in Mumbai Kobbi Shoshani, Executive Vice President of Hinduja Group Col P.C. Sood, Consulting Psychiatrist Dr Kersi Chavda, President, Bombay Psychiatric Society Dr Avinash Desouza, Dr Avinash Supe, Dr Sanjay Kumawat and Dr Anita Sukhwani were present on the occasion.