GRIID Promotes Mental Health Awareness Through Community Outreach

Chandigarh: The Government Rehabilitation Institute for Intellectual Disabilities (GRIID), Chandigarh, observed World Mental Health Day with an awareness programme focused on mental well-being, reducing stigma and encouraging community participation in mental health initiatives.

Addressing students of the College of Special Education, Dr. Ajeet Sidana, Joint Director, GRIID, highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and this year’s theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.” He urged students to adopt a positive approach towards mental health and contribute to promoting emotional well-being among children with disabilities, their families and the wider community.

Emphasising community outreach, Dr. Sidana encouraged GRIID to organise more awareness programmes and asked students to stage street plays (nukkad nataks) in different communities to dispel misconceptions, reduce stigma and promote understanding of mental health issues.

The programme was attended by Dr. M. Karuppasamy, Course Coordinator and Head of Department; Mr. Anil Kumar, Principal; Ms. Ramanjot Kaur, In-charge, Clinic Wing; and Ms. Shahnaz Khan, Programme In-charge, along with faculty members, parents of children with special needs, special school teachers, therapists and students.

The programme reaffirmed GRIID’s commitment to promoting mental health awareness, inclusive practices and community engagement through education and outreach initiatives

===================================

MANONYAY Legal Services Clinic Inaugurated at MHI, Chandigarh

Chandigarh, October 9, 2026:The Mental Health Institute (MHI), Sector 32, Chandigarh, inaugurated the MANONYAY Legal Services Clinic to provide free legal assistance to persons with mental illness and their families. The initiative was launched by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Chandigarh, under the MANONYAY Scheme, with the aim of improving access to justice and facilitating legal and social support for vulnerable individuals.

The clinic will function every Monday and Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at MHI. One panel advocate and one para-legal volunteer deputed by DLSA will be available during these hours to provide free legal assistance. The clinic will also help address concerns relating to involuntary admission and facilitate access to welfare schemes.

The clinic was inaugurated by Mr. Arun Kumar Agarwal, Additional District and Sessions Judge-cum-Member Secretary, DLSA, Chandigarh, and Mr. Sunil Kumar, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, DLSA, Chandigarh.

The inauguration took place during a programme organised by MHI in collaboration with NGO Parivartan today to commemorate World Mental Health Day, observed globally on October 10. The programme brought together persons with mental illness, caregivers, mental health professionals, NGOs and other stakeholders.

Dr. Vishal Guglani, Acting Director-Principal, GMCH, Chandigarh, and Acting Director, MHI, highlighted the need to reduce stigma and promote awareness and acceptance of mental health issues. Dr. Ajeet Sidana, Additional Director, MHI, and President of Parivartan, emphasised the challenges faced by families and caregivers of persons with severe mental illness.

The programme also featured singing, dancing and laughter yoga performances by persons with mental illness, highlighting the importance of self-expression, social inclusion and holistic recovery.

The initiative reinforced the need for an inclusive, rights-based approach to mental healthcare through medical treatment, psychosocial support, legal assistance and community participation.

===========================================

Chairman, National Commission for Minorities, Shri Harjit Singh Grewal, Holds Meeting with Officials of Chandigarh Administration

Discusses Minority Welfare, Safety, Constitutional Safeguards and Effective Implementation of Government Schemes

Chandigarh, October 9, 2026: Shri Harjit Singh Grewal, Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), Government of India, today chaired a meeting with officials of the Chandigarh Administration at the UT Guest House, Chandigarh.

The meeting focused on reviewing issues concerning minority communities, their safety and welfare, protection of their constitutional and legal safeguards, and the effective implementation of government welfare schemes. Discussions also covered the need for stronger administrative coordination and timely redressal of grievances relating to minority communities.

The Chairman reviewed matters concerning the welfare of minorities, education, social welfare, women and child development, and initiatives undertaken by the concerned departments for the socio-economic development of minority communities.

Shri Grewal emphasised that the protection of the rights of minority communities, timely resolution of their grievances, and ensuring their access to welfare schemes must remain key priorities for the concerned authorities. He urged the officials to adopt a sensitive, responsive and accountable approach while addressing issues affecting minority communities.

Officials of the Chandigarh Administration participated in the meeting and shared relevant information regarding departmental initiatives and action being taken on matters concerning minority welfare.

The National Commission for Minorities reiterated its commitment to working in coordination with the concerned authorities to safeguard the rights and interests of minority communities and ensure the effective implementation of relevant welfare measures.