Date:10-10-2026, Saturday

Venue:Psychiatric OPD,Ground Floor, St.Thomas Block

The World Mental Health Day 2026 observance was organized on October 10, 2026, under the global theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”

The event commenced with a Welcome Address delivered by Dr. Geomy G. Chakkalakkudy,( Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry). This was followed by the Presidential Address by Dr. Neethi Valsan, (Professor & Head of the Department of Psychiatry). The formal Inaugural Address was presented by Fr. Renny Mundankurian, (Director  JMMC & RI). The inaugural phase concluded with Felicitations offered by distinguished leadership, including  Dr. Andrews M. A. (Principal, JMMC & RI),  Dr. Shibu Kallivalappil (Medical Superintendent, JMMC & RI) and Dr.James .T.Antony (Senior Psychiatrist and Former HOD ,Dept.of.Psychiatry)

The main focus of the observance was an engaging Panel Discussion moderated by Fr. Dr. Dave Augustine Akkara, (Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry). Aligning directly with the theme of centering diverse real-world perspectives, the panel brought together six diverse representatives: Mr. Abdul Khader (Patient Representative), Mr. Ramesh (Caregiver Representative), Dr. Fr. Joseph Joby Kadappuran (Director, TIMHANS, Peringandoor), Ms. Aleena Mary Joshy (Staff Nurse, Dept. of Psychiatry), Ms.Sujitha.S(Psychiatric Social Worker,Dept.Of.Psychiatry,JMMC&RI), and Dr. James Antony (Senior Psychiatrist, Professor, and Former Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Jubilee Mission Medical College). Together, the sessions fostered meaningful dialogue among clinicians, caregivers, and individuals with personal experiences to advocate for empathetic, inclusive, and actionable progress in mental healthcare.