World Mental Health Day - event @ Chennai
World Mental Health day was on October 10th. Chennaigaga is grateful to have received an invitation to attend a panel discussion by The Banyan along with the Madras School of Social Work (MSSW) at the MSSW’s Tag auditorium. 
The topic was the intersection between Mental Health, Homelessness and Workplace Wellness. The speakers included Mr. Madhusudhan Reddy, IAS, Dr. P. Vijayakumar IPS, Mr. Naresh Ramasubramaniam, Ms. Premavathy, and more eminent speakers. The complete list is on The Banyan’s Instagram page and their insta handle is: the.banyan
Dr. Vijayakumar gave a moving speech on the empathy needed to manage an individual with no home, no family support and who is mentally ill. He said providing a safe haven for such people is a basic requirement and elaborated on the role of the police force in this process.
Ms. Sharada Dharmaraj of Writer’s Cafe spoke about the opportunities they give at the work place for individuals with various challenges. She explained the attitudes that work and the proven success of supporting such individuals in need.
All the speakers spoke about this serious issue without compromising the dignity of those suffering poor mental health and also in a positive manner by first highlighting the general predicament, and then explaining the journey through which these people could be led, whilst keeping the light very much visible in the tunnel all through, and not just at the end. 
The panel discussion was followed by an engaged audience participating in a Q&A session that was interesting and thought-provoking, as well as informative. 
The event then ended with cutlets, tea and a Stall, showcasing various products for sale, that were made by affected individuals.
Here's a photo of the stall keepers at the event, with some useful and colourful wares.
Do check out The Banyan’s website (the banyan.org) to know more about their inspiring start and the great, soul-touching work they have accomplished, and also, do follow them on Instagram. The MSSW students present there proved to be a dedicated and engaged audience, making notes and listening to the speakers in rapt attention.
Every one of the speakers shone bright through their words and shares.