Mumbai, Oct 09: The School of Liberal Arts at NMIMS, Navi Mumbai, hosted a two-day Mental Health Awareness Week featuring interactive activities, creative spaces, psychology-based games and meaningful conversations focused on mental wellbeing, self-expression and community connection. The initiative encouraged students to engage with mental health in an accessible and engaging manner while exploring emotional awareness, social connection, self-care and personal wellbeing.
A key highlight of Day 1 was the panel discussion, “The Female Body, Mind and the Communities Around Them”, featuring Dr. Shubhangi Adate, Cosmetic Gynaecologist; Dr. Priyanka Kapoor, Master Psychotherapist; Dr. Kalpana Gupta, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist; and Ms. Shilpa Parhar, Child Psychiatric Specialist. The discussion explored the interconnectedness of women’s physical and mental health, societal expectations, reproductive health, motherhood, childhood experiences and the role of families and communities in shaping emotional wellbeing. The conversation also highlighted the need for more open and empathetic spaces where discussions around women’s health can take place without stigma or judgement.
The day featured a range of creative, recreational and psychology-based activities designed to promote self-expression, social connection, mindfulness and reflection. Students engaged with activities such as Cover Your Vibe, Tune In, What’s in Your Head and Trevi Fountain, alongside psychology-based games including Not Like Us, Fast and Curious, Eye Spy, Double Take and Counterintuitive, which explored concepts such as conformity, memory, attention, social perception, heuristics and decision-making. Spaces including Little Lagoon and Idle & Wonder offered sensory activities, games and puzzles, while Shake It Off, Shared Perspective, Bedazzled, Encore Spotlight, Photobooth, Pass It On and Scan for Positivity encouraged interaction, creativity, reflection and positive mental health engagement across the campus.
Day 2 continued the focus on mental health while exploring women’s roles within the community and the challenges they encounter. A key highlight was a student-led Nukkad Natak that explored themes of women’s freedom, safety and dignity, highlighting social expectations and challenges that can restrict women’s choices and sense of agency. Through street theatre, the performance encouraged reflection on everyday experiences of inequality and the importance of creating communities where women feel heard, respected and safe.
The day also featured informative poster presentations by second-year students on various psychological disorders. The presentations enabled students to apply their classroom learning in a practical setting, communicate complex information in an accessible manner and engage their peers in conversations around different mental health conditions. Puzzles and psychology-based games further encouraged participants to explore human behaviour and decision-making in an engaging manner.
The two-day initiative concluded with a lively Karaoke session, giving students an opportunity to showcase their vocal talents, unwind and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Overall, the event brought together learning, creative expression, social engagement and entertainment, creating an inclusive space for students to learn, connect, reflect and take a break from their everyday routines.