Panjab University Organises Eighth Lecture in Mental Health Awareness Lecture Series in Collaboration with PGIMER

Chandigarh, October 13, 2026: Panjab University organised the eighth lecture in its Mental Health Awareness Lecture Series, with an emphasis on mental health in academics, at the Seminar Hall, University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), Panjab University. The session was held as part of the University’s initiative to observe October as Mental Health Awareness Month.

The lecture featured experts from the TeleMANAS team, Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh. The resource persons were Dr Akhilesh Sharma, Director, TeleMANAS; Dr Harrishupreet Kaur, Senior Consultant, TeleMANAS; and Mr Abhishek Verma, Clinical Psychologist, TeleMANAS.

The speakers discussed the distinction between mental health and mental illness, emphasising that mental well-being extends beyond academic performance and the syllabus and requires attention to an individual’s overall well-being. They explained the mental health spectrum and highlighted how delays in recognising psychological concerns or accessing appropriate treatment can affect an individual’s mental health and overall functioning.

The session explored the importance of prevention and timely treatment, along with the attitudinal barriers and stigma that often discourage people from seeking professional support. The speakers emphasised the need to challenge misconceptions surrounding mental health, reduce stigma and normalise conversations about psychological well-being. They highlighted that seeking help should be viewed as a healthy and accepted response rather than something to be avoided or associated with shame.

Dr Akhilesh Sharma spoke about practical ways to improve mental health and highlighted the role of everyday habits in promoting psychological well-being. He also discussed the possibility of organising focused workshops for specific university departments and student batches. Such targeted interventions could help the University reach students more effectively, understand their concerns and address the mental health challenges prevalent among different groups.

The lecture was open to students, teachers and non-teaching staff, encouraging the university community to adopt a proactive approach towards mental health. The session reinforced the importance of awareness, prevention, timely intervention and accessible professional support in promoting overall well-being within academic institutions.

The Mental Health Awareness Lecture Series has previously included six lectures conducted in collaboration with Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Chandigarh. The current phase is being conducted in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh, continuing the University’s efforts to promote mental health awareness and encourage help-seeking among its community members.

The programme was held under the guidance of Prof. Y.K. Rawal, Dean Student Welfare(DSW), Panjab University; Prof. Namita Gupta, DSW (Women); and Dr Rupinder, Chief Medical Officer (CMO). The University extends its sincere gratitude to Prof. Sukhwinder Singh, Director, UIET, Panjab University, and Prof. Sanjeev Puri, Former Director, UIET, for their support and encouragement in facilitating initiatives that promote mental health awareness and well-being within the university community.