Awareness Programme on "Importance of Mental Health in Professional Efficiency" jointly organised by Department of Law, University of Jammu and District Legal Services Authority, Jammu on World Mental Health Day

In commemoration of World Mental Health Day, the Department of Law, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Jammu, organized an Awareness Programme on the "Importance of Mental Health in Professional Efficiency." The event, held on 10th October 2024 at Gen. Zorawar Singh Auditorium, brought together legal and health professionals, educators, and students of law to address the critical link between mental health and professional success.

The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Manju Jamwal, Head of the Department of Law, University of Jammu, who highlighted the growing need for mental health awareness in today’s fast-paced professional world. Prof. Sanjay Gupta followed with an insightful address, setting the tone for the event’s focus on highlighting that the mental health is deeply rooted in once internal wellbeing and he called for lifestyle changes to “set stress to rest” and also presented critical analysis various legislation dealing with mental health.

A key highlight of the programme was the expert talk delivered by Dr. Manu Arora, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, who spoke on the scientific understanding of mental well-being and its direct impact on workplace efficiency. He also stressed the need for establishing redressal mechanism in workplaces and academic institutions. Dr. Rakesh Banal, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at GMC Jammu, complemented this by discussing the importance of mental health support systems in academic and professional environments. He stated that depression is the second largest cause of morbidity approaching epidemic level.

The programme also had the privilege of hosting Prof. Meena Sharma, Dean of Planning, University of Jammu, as the Guest of Honour. She emphasized the University’s commitment to fostering a healthy, supportive atmosphere for both students and faculty.

The Presidential Address was delivered by Hon'ble Mr. Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and Patron-in-Chief of the J&K Legal Services Authority. Justice Rabstan emphasized the need for a holistic approach to mental health, especially within the legal profession, where stress and high performance demands often take a toll on individuals. He also underscored the influential position of educational institutions and how they can serve as catalysts in addressing mental health challenges.

The event was also graced by Sh. M.K Sharma, Principal Secretary to the Chief Justice, Sh. Y.P Bourney, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Jammu and Chairman of DLSA, Sh. Amit Gupta, Member Secretary of J&K Legal Services Authority and Sh. Raj Kumar, Special Mobile Magistrate.

Dr. Navdeep Kour Sasan conducted the proceedings of the programme. The event saw enthusiastic participation from LL.B, LL.M, and Ph.D. research scholars from the Department of Law, University of Jammu, as well as LL.B students from the Law School, University of Jammu, Dogra Law College, KC Law College, and MIET Law School, Research Scholars of the Department of Law. The faculty members including Prof. Arvind Jasrotia, Prof. Satinder Kumar, Prof. Sanjay Gupta, Prof. Savita Nayyar, Dr. Mohd Arif, Dr. Aarti Sharma, Dr. Vijay Saigal, Dr. R.K. Sandhu, and Dr. Sonia Aneja were actively involved in making the event a resounding success. The student coordination efforts were led by Mr. Sunny Singh. Student rapporteurs were Ms. Saria Shabir, Ms. Sanyogita Saini, Ms. Vatsalya Chadha, Ms. Syed Ezza Shah, and Ms. Vasundhra Thakyal.

The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Smriti Sharma, Secretary of DLSA Jammu, who expressed gratitude to all the speakers, participants, and organizing team for their contributions.