The Department of Psychiatry, JIPMER, Puducherry, organized a Mental Health Awareness Marathon to mark World Mental Health Day 2025, aligning with the critical global theme: “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes & Emergencies.”
The community-driven effort, held under the slogan “Step Up, Reach Out,” brought together over 120 enthusiastic participants, including students, faculty, healthcare workers, and the public. The event successfully symbolized collective responsibility, with the Trust for Youth and Child Leadership (TYCL) extending generous support.
Flagged off by Dr. Shivanand Kattimani, Head, Department of Psychiatry, the Marathon concluded at the Mahatma Gandhi Statue, where Dr. Saka Vinod Kumar, Medical Superintendent, presided over the valedictory ceremony. Dr. Saka Vinod Kumar emphasized that “mental health is everyone’s right and everyone’s responsibility,” stressing that early recognition and empathy could prevent long-term suffering.
The initiative championed the urgent need to integrate psychological care into all emergency response plans, highlighting that training community volunteers and reducing stigma are vital steps toward holistic recovery after trauma. The enthusiastic participation reinforces JIPMER’s commitment to championing mental health as a shared societal commitment.