Chandigarh, 11 October 2026: The Department of Psychiatry, through the Drug De-addiction and Treatment Centre (DDTC), Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, organised a Walk for Mental Health 2026 from Kairon Block, PGIMER, to Sukhna Lake to commemorate World Mental Health Day. The event was organised around the 2026 theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” highlighting the importance of listening to individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions and ensuring their voices are valued in mental healthcare.
A special highlight of the event was a nukkad natak performed by the faculty and students of the National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE), PGIMER, at the Sukhna Lake front. The performance conveyed important messages about mental health awareness, reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek appropriate help and support.
Addressing the participants, Prof. Subho Chakrabarti, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER Chandigarh, thanked all the participating departments, faculty members, residents, students, healthcare workers, caregivers and supporting organisations for their enthusiastic involvement. He emphasised the need to continue spreading awareness about mental health, promote empathy and understanding towards persons experiencing mental health difficulties, and strengthen the collective effort towards a healthier society.
The event also underscored the importance of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, encouraging awareness about substance-use disorders, prevention of addiction, early identification and access to appropriate treatment and rehabilitation services.
Through this initiative, PGIMER Chandigarh reaffirmed its commitment to promoting mental well-being, reducing stigma associated with mental illness and substance use, and building a more informed, compassionate and inclusive society where every voice is heard and valued.