Bhubaneswar, May 8th 2025: In a significant move to promote emotional well-being and address the growing mental health crisis, Odisha will observe Mental Health Week across all schools, colleges, and health institutions. The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida during the Illness to Wellness Awareness Summit organized by the Illness to Wellness Foundation (IWF).
ତେଣୁ ମାନସିକ ରୋଗକୁ ନେଇ ସଚେତନ ହେବାର ଆବଶ୍ୟକତା ଅଛି ଏବଂ ରାଜ୍ୟ ସରକାରଙ୍କ ଦ୍ୱାରା ମଧ୍ୟ ସ୍କୁଲ, କଲେଜ,ସ୍ୱାସ୍ଥ୍ୟକ୍ଷେତ୍ର ସବୁ ଅନୁଷ୍ଠାନରେ ମେଣ୍ଟାଲ ହେଲ୍ଥ ସପ୍ତାହ ପାଳନ କରାଯିବ । ମାନ୍ୟବର ପ୍ରଧାନମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ @narendramodi ଜୀଙ୍କ ଅନୁଯାୟୀ ଯୋଗ, ପ୍ରାଣାୟମ, ସୁଷମ ଖାଦ୍ୟକୁ ଲାଇଫ୍ ଷ୍ଟାଇଲରେ ଯୋଡ଼ିବା ସହ ପାରିବାରିକ… pic.twitter.com/5h0D7WAhCF
— Pravati Parida (@PravatiPOdisha) May 7, 2025
Parida emphasized the importance of open conversations around mental health, noting that mental illnesses are not limited to diagnosed disorders but include everyday emotional challenges. “Good mental health enables individuals to overcome difficulties and thrive. We must normalize discussions and provide early support,” she said.
Citing alarming data from a 2025 study by NIMHANS and global researchers, Parida revealed that in 2024, one in ten students in India had suicidal thoughts, and more than a third attempted suicide. She called for urgent intervention, especially in schools, to tackle stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues among youth.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja also addressed the summit, noting that mental health concerns are no longer confined to urban areas or student populations but are now increasingly affecting rural and tribal communities as well. As part of a wellness initiative, 75 traditional and indigenous games have been integrated into school curricula to support students’ mental well-being.
IWF advisory council chairman Anil Rajput lauded Odisha’s leadership in mental health advocacy, expressing hope that these efforts will encourage similar action nationwide.