The Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, organized a special event on October 16, 2024, to celebrate World Mental Health Day, as part of the university’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. The event, which commenced at 1:00 p.m., was held at the prestigious Kailasapathy Auditorium and brought together a wide range of participants, including academics, non-academic staff, students, counsellors, and members of the public.

The event opened with a welcome note by Ms. Pinthuja. The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. S. Raguram, delivered the special speech. In his address, he emphasized the importance of mental health awareness in educational institutions, especially during the challenging times faced by students and staff alike.

Dr. K. Kajavinthan introduced the distinguished speaker and provided a brief outline of the significance of the day. The highlight of the event was a popular talk on “Mental Health in the Workplace by Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. S. Sivathas. His presentation shed light on the increasing prevalence of mental health issues in the workplace and provided insights into how employers and employees can create a supportive work environment that promotes mental well-being. Dr. Sivathas’ talk resonated with the audience, offering practical advice and highlighting the need for a collaborative approach to addressing mental health challenges.

A special speech was delivered by Mrs. A. Rajkumar, Head of the Department of Philosophy, who discussed the vital counselling services offered by Aham – MHPSS lab of the department at the University of Jaffna. She elaborated on how these services are designed to support the emotional and psychological well-being of students, contributing to a healthier learning environment.

In addition to the informative talks, the event also featured cultural performances by Mr.T.Thileepan and psychology students, which added an engaging and creative touch to the programme. These performances symbolized the importance of mental health and well-being through art, music, and dance, bringing a sense of unity and celebration to the event.

The World Mental Health Day event successfully highlighted the university’s commitment to promoting mental health awareness and providing essential support services. The participation of a diverse audience, including counsellors, students, and members of the public, further emphasized the broader community’s engagement in these efforts.

Overall, the event was a memorable and impactful part of the University of Jaffna’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, marking a significant step towards fostering a healthier and more supportive academic environment for all.