By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

KAWANT, October 10, 2026: Don Bosco High School, Kawant, organised a seminar on emotional well-being and mental health literacy to mark World Mental Health Day. The programme was conducted under the initiative of the Mental Health Initiative Action Group of the Rotary Club of Jawaharnagar, Baroda, with the aim of helping students understand their emotions, recognise signs of stress and develop healthy approaches to mental well-being.

A total of 99 students of Standard 8 from the Gujarati and English medium sections participated in the seminar, comprising 68 boys and 31 girls. Fr Dr Mayank Parmar, Manager of Don Bosco High School, Kawant, served as the resource person and guided the students through an informative session.

The seminar was based on the theme, “Heard Experiences, Real Voices, Real Change.” Through a PowerPoint presentation and an engaging style of communication, Fr Parmar explained various aspects of emotional awareness and mental health in a manner appropriate to the students’ age and experiences.

The session introduced the concept of emotional awareness, its importance in everyday life and its influence on thoughts, behaviour and relationships. Students were encouraged to recognise their feelings and understand how emotions can affect their responses to different situations. The discussion also covered the benefits of emotional awareness and the possible consequences of neglecting one's emotional needs.

Fr Mayank further explained the meaning of mental health and its significance in the overall development of an individual. He highlighted common signs of stress, introduced students to different mental health disorders and discussed their possible effects on personal, social and academic life. The session emphasised that mental health is an essential component of overall well-being and deserves the same attention and care as physical health.

The programme also encouraged students to respond to mental health concerns with empathy rather than fear or judgement. It highlighted the importance of listening to others, respecting their experiences and seeking appropriate support when facing emotional difficulties. Such guidance is particularly valuable during adolescence, when young people experience significant changes in their emotions, relationships and responsibilities.

World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10 to promote understanding of mental health issues worldwide. The initiative was first observed in 1992 under the leadership of the World Federation for Mental Health. The day seeks to challenge misconceptions, reduce discrimination and stigma, and encourage compassion towards people experiencing mental health difficulties. It also draws attention to the importance of accessible treatment, professional care and support systems.

The seminar at Don Bosco High School, Kawant, provided students with an opportunity to reflect on their emotional well-being and the importance of supporting one another. Through this initiative, the school reaffirmed its commitment to the holistic development of students, recognising that emotional resilience, mutual respect and mental well-being are essential for a healthy and fulfilling life.