09 Oct 2026|Noida | Amity University, Noida
Amity University observes World Mental Health Day- 2026, focussing on Lived Experiences and the Power of Listening
Amity Institute of Behavioural (Health) and Allied Sciences (AIBHAS), Amity University Noida, observed World Mental Health Day - 2026 with a series of insightful discussions, interactive sessions and student-led activities centred on the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”
The programme highlighted the importance of listening to individuals with lived experiences of mental health concerns and recognising their perspectives as an essential component of meaningful change in mental healthcare. The event brought together university leadership, mental health professionals, caregivers, persons with lived experience, academicians and students to deliberate on mental health awareness, recovery, inclusion and holistic wellbeing.
A major highlight of the technical session was a guest lecture by Dr. Rupali Shivalkar, Consultant, St. Stephen’s Hospital Delhi, titled “Teaming Up for Mental Health: Why Patient’s Voice Matters in Recovery.” The session emphasised the significance of incorporating patients' perspectives into mental healthcare, highlighting how active listening, shared decision-making and collaborative support can contribute to recovery and overall well- being. Dr. Rupali emphasized upon person-centred approach, informed decision-making, building self-management skills and regular feedback from care givers, in order to address the challenges of mental health patients and care givers.
Welcoming the guests, Prof. (Dr.) Kalpana Shrivastava, Director, AIBHAS, said, “Mental health care must go beyond diagnoses and treatment to recognise the individual, their experiences, emotions and aspirations. Listening to persons with lived experience and their caregivers is essential to building empathy, reducing stigma and developing more inclusive and responsive systems of care. Through this year's observance, we aim to encourage open conversations, strengthen understanding and empower individuals to share their stories, because every voice matters and every experience can contribute to meaningful change.”
The programme also featured a Panel Discussion titled “From Silent Struggle to Shared Strength: Our Journey of Speaking Out,” which provided a platform for caregivers and persons with lived experiences of mental health concerns to share their journeys, challenges and insights. The panellists included Ms. Ritu Sharma and Ms. Rajeshwari Iyer, Key Enablers of Shanti Sahaj Trust and members of the group of persons with mental illness, and Ms. Asha Menon, Academician, St. Thomas High School. The discussion highlighted the importance of compassionate support, family and community engagement, and creating safe spaces where individuals can speak openly about their mental health experiences without the fear of judgement.
Also present on the occasion were Dr. S.K. Srivastava, Senior Director, Vice President, Amity Foundation for Developmental Disabilities (AFDD), Dr. Ranjana Bhatia, Acting Director, Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences (AIPS) and Dr. Harminder Gujral, Head, Amity Centre of Guidance & Counselling (ACGC). In addition, a student panel discussion titled “Mental Health in the Digital Age: Are You Listening to Young People?” was organised, bringing together students from AIBHAS and AIPS to share their perspectives on mental health in an increasingly digital world. Student-led creative activities such as Slogan Competition, Poster-Making Competition, and a street play (Nukkad Natak) also formed an integral part of World Mental Health Day-2026 activities.