MDU Mental Health Lecture: Dr Pankaja Singh Urges Students to Break Social Conditioning, Embrace Self-Worth
Prioritising yourself is not selfishness but a key to better mental health, clinical psychologist Dr Pankaja Singh told students at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), urging them to break free from social conditioning and stop seeking constant approval from others.
Girish Saini
Oct 14, 2026 07:26
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Rohtak, October 14, 2026: Prioritising yourself is not selfishness but a key to better mental health, clinical psychologist Dr Pankaja Singh told students at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), urging them to break free from social conditioning and stop seeking constant approval from others.
Founder and clinical director of Mental Wellness Centre, Gurugram, Dr Singh delivered an expert lecture on ‘Choosing Yourself: Breaking Free from Conditioning’ during a programme on ‘Mental Health: Understanding, Connecting and Growing Together’ at the Radhakrishnan Auditorium. The event was organised by the UHV and Soft Skills Committee of the University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET).
Dr Pankaja Singh said family expectations, social norms and the desire for acceptance often push people into making choices against their own wishes and values. She stressed the need for self-awareness, self-acceptance and decisions rooted in personal values.
Encouraging students to value their emotional needs, maintain self-respect and avoid comparisons with others, she said accepting oneself was essential for building confidence and protecting mental well-being. She also advised students to share their stress, get adequate sleep, exercise regularly and maintain a balanced routine. Seeking professional help when needed, she added, was an important part of mental health care.
Biotechnology department professor Manjeet Kaur welcomed the participants, emphasising that students’ overall development depends as much on mental and emotional well-being as on academic achievement.
The programme was coordinated by Dr Manjeet Kaur, associate professor in the Department of Applied Science and Humanities. Prof Prabhakar Kaushik, Dr Sukhbir, Dr Chanchal Hooda, Dr Chhavi Rana, faculty members, research scholars and students attended the session.
