19/02/2026
Mount Everest College Hosts Intensive Workshop on Mental Health Advocacy and Resilience
In a significant move to prioritize psychological well-being within the academic community, the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), in collaboration with the Counselling Cell of Mount Everest College, organized a one-day workshop on Mental Health today at the College Auditorium.
The initiative follows a directive from the Directorate of University and Higher Education, Government of Manipur (GOM), aimed at cascading specialized training on mental well-being, protection norms, and grievance redressal mechanisms from trained faculty to the grassroots college level.
The proceedings were moderated by Ms. Kateni, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany. The session commenced with an opening prayer by the Students’ Facilitator, setting a solemn tone for the day's deliberations.
Delivering the Welcome and Keynote Address, Asst. Prof. Niomchung Jatak Chiru, IQAC Coordinator, defined mental health as a vital state of well-being that enables individuals to manage life’s stresses and realize their full potential.
"One in four people will experience mental health issues at some point as per WHO. It is crucial we create a culture of care and listen without judgment," Chiru stated. He provided a comprehensive overview of common conditions, including Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, and Schizophrenia, while emphasizing the role of biological and environmental factors in mental health. He urged students to adopt "Square breathing," regular exercise, and healthy social boundaries as tools for building resilience.
The Technical Session was led by College Counsellor Mr. Sangailung Gonmei, who anchored his presentation on the World Health Organization (WHO) definition: "There can be no physical health without mental health."
Gonmei presented alarming statistics, noting that 1 in 7 adolescents globally lives with a diagnosed mental health condition. Turning the focus to India, he highlighted that nearly 20–25% of Indian youth suffer from depression or substance abuse. "With 40% of Indian teenagers reporting stress as their primary concern in 2024, the institutional environment must act as a protective factor," Gonmei remarked.
He further distinguished between Common Mental Disorders (CMDs), such as mild depression and anxiety, and Severe Mental Disorders (SMDs) like Psychosis, stressing that most conditions are "invisible" and can affect anyone regardless of age or gender.
The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where students engaged with experts on managing academic pressure and social media influence. The formal program drew to a close with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Asst. Prof. Alen Chiru, followed by the National Anthem and a closing benediction by Chaplain SP Simeon.
This workshop marks a milestone for Mount Everest College in aligning with national mental health standards, ensuring that the campus remains a sanctuary for both academic and emotional growth.