Mannotsava, the National Mental Health Festival 2024, co-hosted by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP), the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), was inaugurated today by Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson – Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies; Dr Pratima Murthy, Director – NIMHANS and Prof LS Shashidhara, Centre Director – National Centre for Biological Sciences. This landmark festival scheduled between today and tomorrow (October 26 & 27, 2024) aims to elevate mental health conversations across India, bringing together experts, artists, and communities to combat stigma and foster awareness.

The festival features a diverse lineup, including expert-led discussions, art performances, interactive workshops, and informative stalls. With its holistic approach, Mannotsava, emphasises both education and action, empowering individuals and communities to proactively address mental health challenges. Its inclusive nature ensures participation from a wide cross-section of society, helping to expand the dialogue on mental well-being.

The key sessions explored will be around addiction, chronic illness, youth mental health, parenting, healthy aging, and more. With over 105 speakers, 40 sessions and 20+ stalls and installations, the festival is a step toward sustained impact in mental health advocacy, promising a future where conversations about mental well-being are a natural part of India’s public discourse.

Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, said, “Following the pandemic, mental health has emerged as a topic that needs a lot more discussion. But we don’t have many public platforms that bring together experts, civil society, researchers, and artists to dialogue on the state of our individual and collective well-being. Mannotsava endeavours to be such a platform, and we hope this festival will enrich the ongoing discourse around mental health.”

Dr Pratima Murthy, Director, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, said, “Mannotsava aspires to be a bridge between science and society and between mental wellness and illness. It creates a space for the sharing of credible information related to mental health. I am pleased with the diversity of contexts, themes and canvas Mannotsava is creating in this space.”

Professor Raghu Padinjat, National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), said, “We are poised at a unique moment in time where the emergence of powerful new technologies can drive discovery in the area of altered brain function in mental illness in India and across the world. Such discoveries can be a powerful enabler of new and better solutions for handling the challenges posed by my mental illness and be an enabler of mental well-being.”

The two-day festival is expected to attract over 2000 attendees including students, medical practitioners, public, counsellors, caregivers and development sector professionals.