Mental health, disability awareness event held at Shakrah govt school
The Centre for Studies Related to Persons with Disabilities (CSD) at Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) Shimla organised an awareness programee for students of the Government Senior Secondary School, Shakrah, Shimla district.
The event aimed at addressing the dual challenges of mental health and the pressure faced by students during examinations. The deliberations specifically emphasised at inclusivity for students with disabilities.
The school principal, Indu Gupta, welcomed the team from teh CSD and shared her views about inclusive environment and present challenges. She emphasised on creating supportive environment for students with disabilities.
Dr Sachin Sharma, Director of the CSD, stressed upon the importance of such initiatives in fostering the inclusive environment for students. He said stigmas related to disabilities were the outcome of the perception. He said once these perceptions were diluted, things would automatically become accessible for students. He also highlighted government schemes for making the environment accessible.
The event featured engaging activities designed to reduce stress and promote awareness. Discussions focused on managing exam pressure and understanding the mental health needs of students, including those with disabilities. Manav, Anubhav, Adish, Vanshika, Bhoomi Himanshu and Prashansha, student members of the CSD, HPNLU, also participated in the event. They engaged students of the school in various discussions and activities related to inclusivity and disability relation.
Further, the programme witnessed a screening of a impactful short film on mental health of teenagers and related awareness. The movie highlighted struggles faced by student with mental health issues and how with the support of his family and friends he was able to overcome the same. This was followed by another interactive sessions encouraging students and teachers to share their thoughts and concerns.
As part of the programme, the CSD team also visited the Shakrah gram panchayat and interacted with Inder Singh, pradhan of the village along with other local representatives and community members. The team held discussions that revolved around promoting mental health awareness and creating a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities at the grassroot level. The panchayat members shared details about people with disabilities in village with the CSD team.
