Tahalka Today Team/Taqi Hasnain
Lucknow.On the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2025, Integral University sent out a strong message that open dialogue on mental health is the need of the hour. The Women’s Studies Centre, Department of Media & Mass Communication, Bioengineering, and Biosciences jointly organized a thought-provoking event titled “Narrative of the Mind: A Film-Led Conversation” on October 10 in collaboration with the international mental health partner Nurture Life.
The prime objective of the event was to break the silence around mental health and suicide prevention through cinema and meaningful discussions.
The distinguished guests included award-winning Bollywood filmmaker and mental health advocate Mr. Iqbal Rizvi, Ms. Farah Sarosh, CEO of Nurture Life, and Dr. Neha Anand, Counseling Psychologist. The panel discussion was moderated by the popular RJ Ameer.
The program began with a welcome address by Prof. Alveena Farooqi, Head of the Bioengineering Department, who emphasized the need for open conversations and awareness about mental health. This was followed by the screening of Mr. Rizvi’s short film “Restart”, which poignantly portrayed the grief, guilt, and emotional stagnation of a suicide survivor coping with the loss of his sister, and how—with his fiancĆ©e’s encouragement—he sought therapy and found a new beginning. The film left a deep emotional impact on the audience.
During the panel discussion:
- Mr. Rizvi highlighted the importance of self-awareness and emotional acceptance.
- Dr. Neha Anand spoke about emotional recognition and management, safe family environments, and the role of journaling and reflection in strengthening emotional vocabulary.
- Ms. Farah Sarosh stressed the need to share painful experiences, reduce the burden of daily thoughts, encourage interdependence within society, and include mental health education in curricula to combat stigma and nurture empathy.
The audience actively engaged, asking questions and sharing personal experiences. The panelists were felicitated with mementos by Prof. Monowar Alam Khalid, Dean of Student Welfare. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Snober S. Mir, Head of the Department of Biosciences, who urged everyone not only to take care of their own mental health but also to support those around them.
The initiative aligned with the goals of Mission Shakti Phase 5, focusing on holistic empowerment through mental, emotional, and social well-being. The active participation of women experts underscored their vital role in building sensitive, aware, and empowered communities.
The program received overwhelming appreciation from both students and faculty, marking it as a significant step towards mental health awareness.
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