STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The University of Jammu took a historic step in providing a platform for the new beginning of spreading mental health awareness through a newly launched program first of its kind in the University of Jammu were International, National, and State experts culminated on one platform along with various administrative stakeholders, said Prof Manoj Dhar, Vice-chancellor at a national webinar on Brain Illness and Brain Health under Brain Awareness Program organised by Department of Zoology, University of Jammu.
Prof. Dhar stressed the importance of mental health and the need for such awareness programs because this gets compounded by the stigma associated with mental illness and practical interventions within the community. Awareness plays a vital role especially during this Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown which is contributing to added mental stress.
The statistics which are coming forth are worrisome leading us to staring at a possible mental health epidemic, said Vice-Chancellor.
Further, he urged for creating Neuroscience as a specialized branch in University and as its need of the hour amidst the growing mental illness.
Prof. Dhar proposed the MoU with the National Brain Research Centre shall be very helpful in creating a platform for strengthening research and innovation which was readily accepted by Prof. P. Mandal, Director, NBRC.
Prof. Pravat Kumar Mandal, Director, DBT-National Brain Research Centre, who is an expert in the research of Alzheimer’s disease diagnostics using non-invasive methods like MRS and MRI gave an introductory note about the facilities and the expertise of the Neuroscience Centre at Manesar. Prof. Pankaj Seth, Scientist G, was a keynote speaker.
Prof. Mark P Mattson, Department of Neuroscience, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, world-renowned international and national speakers, shared his seminal research work on the effects of intermittent fasting on cognition.
In the series of guest speakers, Dr. Rajesh Sagar, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS New Delhi spoke about mental health, stereotypes, and social stigma, and discussed many community programs for mental health awareness nationally and internationally.
Dr. Manu Arora, Head, Department of Psychiatry, Govt. Medical College Jammu, who is also a past member of J&K Psychiatry Society spoke regarding many mental illnesses and elaborated on Depression, a very important and sensitive topic to be considered under mental illness and mental health. He further sensitized the participants regarding brain health. Earlier, Prof. Seema Langer Head, Department of Zoology, JU presented a formal welcome address. A vote of thanks was presented by Dr Arti Sharma, Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, JU.