Manjeshwar: Snehalaya Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Centre, Manjeshwar, celebrated World Mental Health Day with great enthusiasm and compassion, bringing together distinguished guests, mental health professionals, students, faculty members and staff to promote mental health awareness and foster a more inclusive and understanding society.
The programme centred on the theme “Lived Experiences Heard. Real Voices, Real Change,” emphasizing the importance of listening to people with mental health challenges, respecting their lived experiences and recognizing the power of their voices in bringing about meaningful change.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Achyuth Ashok, ASP, Kasaragod, along with distinguished guests Alvin K. S., renowned mentalist; Geo D’Silva, writer, counsellor and social worker; Rev. Fr. Cyril D’Souza, Chaplain of Snehalaya; Dr. Aishwarya V. Rao; and Dr. Rojina Anna Ray, psychiatrists at Snehalaya.
The gathering was warmly welcomed by Veena D’Souza, Administrator of Snehalaya, while Clint Joseph served as the Master of Ceremonies, ensuring the smooth and engaging conduct of the programme.
A major highlight of the celebration was the captivating mentalism show presented by Alvin K. S. Through fascinating demonstrations, he engaged the audience and offered insights into the remarkable abilities of the human mind, encouraging participants to reflect on their thoughts, perceptions and mental potential.
Adding an element of excitement and intellectual engagement,Geo D’Silva conducted an interactive quiz competition for the participating students following the mentalism show. The competition witnessed enthusiastic participation and healthy competition among the colleges. Kanachuru Nursing College secured first place, Pandyaraj Ballal Nursing College emerged as the runner-up, and Yenepoya Nursing College won third place. The winning teams were honored with trophies and cash prizes in recognition of their achievement and participation.
The programme witnessed the participation of 300 students from various colleges across Mangaluru and Kasaragod, including Srinivas College, Yenepoya Nursing and Department of Social work, Pandyaraj Ballal Nursing College, Kanachuru Nursing College, Aaliyah Nursing College, St. Aloysius College, Peoples Cooperative Arts and science College, Munnada, Kasaragod Sridevi College, Carstreet College and R.K. nursing College, along with their faculty members. Their enthusiastic presence reflected the growing commitment of young people towards mental health awareness, social responsibility and compassionate care.
The occasion also recognized the vision and dedicated service of Br. Joseph Crasta, Founder and Executive Director of Snehalaya, and Olivia Crasta, Co-founder, whose unwavering commitment continues to strengthen Snehalaya’s mission of caring for individuals experiencing mental illness, addiction and social isolation. Their dedication reflects the belief that every individual deserves an opportunity to heal, grow and live with dignity.
The trustees and staff of Snehalaya participated whole heartedly, making the celebration a meaningful expression of unity, empathy and shared responsibility. The event served as a reminder that mental health care extends beyond medical treatment to include emotional support, understanding, acceptance and the restoration of hope.
Sarita Crasta delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the chief guest, dignitaries, mental health professionals, participating colleges, faculty members, students, organizers and all those who contributed to the successful celebration.
The programme concluded with a powerful message: mental health is not merely about treating an illness; it is about listening to human stories, understanding individual struggles, challenging stigma and creating an environment where every person feels heard, valued and respected.
Through this celebration, Snehalaya reaffirmed its commitment to promoting mental health awareness.