Never give up: MCC

By Martin F., INN, Chennai, @infodeaofficial

Department of Journalism,Madras Christian College organized a Social Awareness Campaign,called Hakuna – Matata (Never Give Up),a 3 day campaign which focused upon eradicating the stigma associated with being mentally ill in our society and also upon projecting the positive side  of  transformation that coming out of depression brings about in ones life.

Day 1 began with Mr.C.Gobinath ,a well known media personality,who hosts the popular program neeya naana in star vijay.He gave his valuable insights and spoke about his views about bringing out an issue that is plaguing the society at large in today’s scenario.He also,spoke specifically about women depression,as he felt it is the most undermined aspect as women’s mental health issues are not given prime importance in our society.Further,he had an interactive session with the students of the department & later the screening of the campaign documentary on mental health was held. He also inaugurated the photo exhibition which was held at the boxing ring within the campus.Later on the campaign was geared up forward with an mind throbbing panel discussion addressing mental health issues,suicide & depression.All 4 field experts who were invited spoke about how depression is part & parcel of life and exposed the root cause of it.The distinguished panel also enlightened the students about how to deal with such issues & provided solutions through an interactive session with them.Day 2 of the campaign began with a short performance of a series of Tamil songs by the Korean community who came for the  workshop in support of the campaign which enthralled the gathering.Followed by the short performance ,was Mr. Choi Regional Director ,International Youth Fellowship(IYF) & International Mind Educational Institute.He spoke about various issues that affect the minds of people belonging from different spheres of life.He explained details regarding how being extrovert & introvert makes a big difference regarding handling stressful situations of life,he mostly stressed upon the problems underlying within the society ,how it undermines the very capability of an individual in negative way,the solution that drastically changes the scenario is the solution of building strong hearts instead of always talking about strong minds as he tried to focus upon significance of emotional intelligence at large in today’s world.He further focused his whole dialogue with supporting short video presentations which taught the importance of cherishing your relationship your born with and exposed the power behind the word ‘family’ (support).Also,he stressed upon the need to focus upon building & refining yourself with positive thoughts in daily life.Further he explains the 3 difficulties of life that everyone faces in life.Environmental,Circumstantial,Human Relationship,which is something that everyone faces & have to overcome at one particular stage in life.At last he ended his workshop by saying ‘failure is when you don’t know how to get backup when you  fall down”

The next workshop began at 1:00 PM,with Mrs.Prathibha Srinivasan ,Principal & Mrs.Suhasani Rao,Founder Director of Sankalp Open School,with  the whole dailogue that focused upon the difficulties faced by children facing learning disabilities & difficulties. Mrs. Suhasini Rao began the session with a short talk on her experience of her & her institution of how they have taken care of the needs of special need kids.The second part of the workshop carried forward in an in-depth way explaining the very difference between learning disability & difficulties.Learning disability being a neurological disorder like dyslexia, dysphasia, dysemnia etc.She also explained further of about their organization of how they help such kids in mainstreaming them towards leading a normal life by helping them to clear board exams (NIOS).She stresses upon the need of early intervention in such cases,and taking special remedies as soon as possible.She mentions how structured teaching methodology including various visual materials helps such kids facing autism cope up with learning difficulties.At end of the workshop she said,”the greatest gift that we can provide such kids dealing with mental health issues is only appreciation as it improves building up their low self esteem ,thereby benefiting them hugely”.After the ending of multiple workshops, at 5:30  the’ Walkathon’ a rally in supporting the cause of this campaign was carried out in besant nagar beach by promoting the campaign through placards & slogans among the local populace to create awareness about  the mental health issues & how to deal with it.Day 3 of the campaign began with series of competitions like Spin A Yarn,Face painting,quiz,stand up comedy,creative writing,poetry & rap song that were held in CMS theatre  & shooting floor inside the campus.Later on Mr. Methil Krish, a well known,motivational speaker & mentor spoke about his funny and insightful experiences he had in his school days which proved to be quite engaging, exposing the very fact that what he says in his own words, “Nobody in this world is born without any problems in life as every one needs to face such issues in life”.He focused his whole talk upon the relationship issues that today’s youngsters face & how they fail to gauge the issue holistically,thereby committing suicide or goes through chronic depression in life.He also exposes that its not just individuals ,but also the society that are mentally ill most of the time,thereby by signaling that one should never buckle up under useless illusionary stress thrown upon us that leads to depression.He tells how love is a powerful tool which can eradicate depression in no time in ones life & suggested everyone to love all,engage & communicate with everyone who brings in happiness & positivity in their life.He also focused upon depression that one goes through in workplace & how to overcome such stress in life.He recommended all the participants to start being extrovert in certain aspect in their life as he feels it helps people a lot ,to not to go in depression.Later,on another session was carried out by Mr. Sree Prathap , Chairman & Consultant Psychiatrist of Shadithya Hospitals, Pallavaram. His whole session dealt with various technical aspect of mental health issues that people in medical fraternity have to deal with.He educated & enlightened all participants  how to identify the different causes of depression ,be it emotional,physical or emotional stress that leads one towards it.He also told how external environment affects ones mental health & how developing ones internal cognition in a positive away can help immensely in overcoming it.He suggested that one should holistically leave negative thinking to lead an depression or stress less life.Further,7 short films were screened as part of the competitions held which were judged by assistant director (Vikram Vedha) Mr. Mohhamad Sherif  & assistant director (144) Mr.Jose.Later on the campaign ended with the prize distribution & valedictory function held at 5:00 pm with special guest,Mr. Vivek, A well known Song Lyricist who gave a his views & gave his full support towards such a cause raised by the campaign.