Welcome address by Dr. K. V. Ashalata, Associate Co-ordinator, IDP
Online webinar on “Mental Health during Covid Times” was organized on 6th May 2021 to give awareness on mental health during the lockdown period. Dr. B. N. Raveesh, Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry from Mysore Medical College was invited as chief guest. Dr. K. V. Ashalata, Associate Co-ordinator, IDP welcomed the guest.
Dr. B. N. Raveesh expressed that we need to shift our focus on mental health and self-care, because covid-19 is a crisis, not a competition. The most important factor in preventing the spread of the virus locally is to empower the citizens with the right information and taking precautions as per the advisories being issued by the ministry of health and family welfare. It is the time to promote mental health awareness among the people of the nation. Human beings have lot of resilience yet there may be many who may just buckle under, we must try to help them with the burdens they carry, fears they are battling, by reaching out to them and helping them he said. He also expressed that technology improves the human life style but spiritual, physical, social and psychological knowledge improves the good environment. Strengthening of the environment will help to boost in suppressing the pandemic situation. In future learn to live with all kind of adversities he added. Dr. M. B. Chetti, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, UAS, Dharwad opined that immunity development and following of health department instructions is the need of the hour to face this adverse situation. It is the time we must follow it strictly. He also expressed that individual has to think of their own responsibilities to cope with Covid and said don’t fear but be alert. Around 480 participants including students from other states and staff participated in this webinar. Dr. P. U. Krishnaraj, Dr. K. V. Ashalata, Dr. B. N. Aravindkumar and IDP staff present during the webinar.