Panjab University Begins Mental Health Awareness Lecture Series in Collaboration with PGIMER

Chandigarh, October 9, 2026: Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh organised the first lecture of its Mental Health Awareness Lecture Series on Mental Well-being at the Multipurpose Hall, Institute of Educational Technology & Vocational Education (IETVE), PU.
The session featured experts from the Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh, TeleMANAS team. Senior Consultant, TeleMANAS, Dr. Harrishupreet Kaur and Clinical Research Psychologist, TeleMANAS, Abhishek Verma conducted the session. Dr. Akhilesh Sharma, Additional Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, PGIMER.
Abhishek Verma discussed mental well-being, practical ways to maintain it, and concepts such as languishing and flourishing. Dr. Harrishupreet Kaur led an engaging discussion on mental-health stigma, stereotypes and discrimination, including public stigma and self-stigma.
The speakers also addressed misconceptions surrounding psychiatric medicines and treatment, emphasising the importance of timely professional support.
The session encouraged active participation, with attendees engaging in an interactive discussion and raising questions. The programme also reflected the 2026 World Mental Health Day theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” highlighting the importance of listening to people with lived experience of mental-health concerns.
The programme was held under the guidance of Dean Student Welfare, PU, Prof. Y.K. Rawal; Dean Student Welfare (Women), PU, Prof. Namita Gupta; and Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Rupinder. The event was coordinated by Chairperson, Dr. Amritpal of the hosting department, along with counsellors Pulkita and Deepti.
The lecture marked the beginning of the University’s Mental Health Awareness Lecture Series, with the next session scheduled at UIET, Panjab University. The initiative aims to promote mental-health awareness, reduce stigma and encourage timely help-seeking across the University community.
The event was organised by the Office of the Dean Student Welfare, PU; Bhai Ghanaiya Ji Institute of Health, PU; Mental Health Club, PU; and Institute of Educational Technology & Vocational Education, PU. In collaboration with Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh.