MDU takes mental health message to campus through street plays, march; Vice Chancellor calls for greater sensitivity, open dialogue on stress and depression
Stressing the need to treat mental health with the same importance as physical well-being, Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) organised street plays and a mental health awareness march on Friday to promote sensitivity towards emotional distress and depression.
Girish Saini
Oct 9, 2026 09:08
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Rohtak, October 9, 2026: Stressing the need to treat mental health with the same importance as physical well-being, Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) organised street plays and a mental health awareness march on Friday to promote sensitivity towards emotional distress and depression.
The initiative was organised by the university’s psychology department and Happytude Lab. Students staged street plays at the administrative block, Vivekananda Library lawn and Pariksha Sadan, highlighting the importance of mental well-being, empathy and timely support for those facing emotional challenges.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Milap Poonia, who flagged off the awareness march, said mental health was often overlooked despite its growing importance. He emphasised that empathy, sensitivity and open communication were essential to understanding mental health concerns and supporting those affected. He also distributed prizes to winners of a poster-making competition held a day earlier.
Registrar Prof Sandeep Bansal, Dean CDC Prof Rajesh Punia and Dean R&D Prof Harish Dureja appreciated the initiative.
Psychology department chairperson Prof Anjali Malik said the campaign aimed to take mental health awareness beyond the university campus and into society. Happytude Lab in-charge Prof Deepti Hooda said the activities sought to encourage collective responsibility towards mental well-being.
70 students participated enthusiastically in a poster-making competition with slogans under the Mental Health Awareness Campaign. Khayati of the Department of Psychology secured first position, followed by Kalpana of the Department of Visual Arts in second place. Bharti of Visual Arts and Saumya of Psychology jointly bagged third position, while Bharti, Prashansa and Ashish of the Department of Psychology received consolation prizes.
The jury comprised Director PR Sunit Mukherjee, Prof. Shalini Singh and Prof. Krishnakant Sharma. The students showcased their creativity through impactful posters, spreading awareness about mental health and promoting positive thinking.
