President Murmu Encourages NIMHANS to Incorporate Yoga for Mental and Physical Well-Being

Bengaluru, Jan 3 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu highlighted on Friday the importance of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) adopting traditional techniques such as Yoga to help mitigate mental and physical challenges.

Speaking at the health institute's golden jubilee celebration, she remarked: "NIMHANS can effectively integrate traditional practices such as Yoga to ease both mental and physical struggles. Various forms of meditation can also be beneficial in addressing negative mindsets and should be incorporated into mental health care frameworks.

Emphasizing the advantages of traditional medical practices, she stated: "The knowledge and teachings from our ancestors and sages can assist us in creating a spiritual framework to navigate life's challenges.

"Our ancient texts indicate that the mind is the source of all our perceptions. A sound mind forms the basis for a healthy society," she emphasized.

Commending the growing awareness around mental health, President Murmu noted: "Previously, mental health issues were often overlooked in certain societies. However, there has been a notable increase in mental health awareness recently. Outdated beliefs and stigma related to mental illness are gradually fading, allowing individuals facing various challenges to seek assistance more freely.

She pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic notably intensified mental health issues.

"Individuals of all ages are encountering difficulties and responding to them. Youngsters and teenagers are experiencing heightened academic pressure due to societal expectations. Working adults are under increased stress, and many elderly individuals experience loneliness due to social challenges. Those responsible for household duties and family caregiving often suffer from unnoticed mental health conditions," President Murmu elaborated.

She praised NIMHANS' initiatives such as Tele MANAS for providing counseling at any time and the SAMVAAD platform focused on child and adolescent mental health, acknowledging: "Your commitment to mental health services has set a remarkable example in our society. The innovative research and rigorous academic programs, along with outstanding patient care, have established it as a leader in mental health and neurosciences.

"Since its inception, NIMHANS has been a pioneer in tackling complex challenges within this domain. The Ballari model of community healthcare has made significant strides. Currently, the Tele Manas platform leverages technology to assist those in need. It is encouraging to see that the 53 Tele Manas centers nationwide have reached 70 lakh individuals in their local languages over the past two years," President Murmu stated.

NIMHANS brought honor to the nation when it received the Nelson Mandela Award for health promotion from the World Health Organization, she noted.