Times of India | In Bengaluru, conversations on mental health find a home

Over the weekend, Bengaluru turned its spotlight on mental health as Manotsava: The Na tional Festival returned to the city for its second edition. The festival brought together over 130 speakers — including neuroscientists, therapists, artists, and educators — for talks, workshops, and discussions on various aspects of mental well-being.

‘OUR GOAL WAS TO MAKE IT A CELEBRATION, NOT A CONFERENCE’

Festival organiser Rohini Nilekani shared, “The objective of the fest wasn’t to make it feel like a conference, but like a communi ty gathering — where people could talk, learn, and even play their way to awareness. The focus should go beyond the disease. Mental health isn’t just about therapy sessions or hospitals — it’s about connection, art, laughter, and how we live our daily lives.

“Through art and music, the festival brought people together, helping them open up, share experiences, and find joy in collective healing”- Pallavi MD

‘THERE’S NO SHAME IN SEEKING HELP FOR ONE’S WELL-BEING’

“There’s no shame, guilt or fear in seeking help when one is suffering. The key is to know when to seek help and to build resilience,” added Rohini. Sheetal, a homemaker who attended the festival with her teenage son, said, “Starting a conversation with your kids about mental health is a good way to build understanding.”

“It was refreshing to see conversations around mental health move beyond therapy rooms” – Dr Gagan, clinical therapist