Ahead of the inaugural National Mental Health Festival this weekend, philanthropist Rohini Nilekani and NIMHANS director Dr Pratima Murthy on the event which includes a conversation with cricketing icon Rahul Dravid on mental health advocacy, as well as interactive workshops on topics like ADHD, dementia, and creative therapies
When you look around, it’s clear that mental health is one of the most neglected areas in society and even in philanthropy,” says philanthropist-author Rohini Nilekani. Watching people suffer during the pandemic and realising that we didn’t have enough resources to deploy when they were most needed made me feel that Indian philanthropy needs to step up. We need to support more research, and drive more innovation in the mental health sector.”
This realisation prompted Nilekani to take mental health seriously. Rather than applying the same philanthropic methods she had used previously, she sought expertise and reached out to two of the city’s leading health and science institutions, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), for guidance.
“We asked – ‘How can we help?’ – Fortunately, they were already working on a significant long-term research project that needed sustained funding. It focused on five key mental health conditions and was exactly the kind of strategic investment I was looking for,” she adds. From that collaboration, the idea for something unconventional emerged: a National Mental Health Festival. This weekend, the inaugural edition of Mannotsava will be held in the city. It is India’s first national mental health festival, aiming to break the barriers of stigma and ignite much-needed conversations about mental health. The event offers a blend of expert talks, workshops, and artistic engagements, bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, advocates, artists, and the public.
Highlights include a keynote conversation between Nilekani and cricketing icon Rahul Dravid on mental health advocacy, as well as interactive workshops on topics like ADHD, dementia, and creative therapies such as clowning and music therapy. Public engagement stalls and thematic installations will invite attendees to explore mental health in relation to technology, climate change, and LGBTQIA+ issues.
As Nilekani explains, the festival seeks to create a sense of community, where people feel empowered to seek help or offer support: “For me, it’s very simple. Coming from a community-focused perspective, I believe that people need to learn more, become more aware of mental health issues, and understand that they are not alone. People who are suffering aren’t isolated – there are many of us who are with them.”
I believe that people need to learn more, become more aware of mental health issues, and understand that they are not alone – Rohini Nilekani, Philanthropist
Dr Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS, adds, “Mental health is important for everyone, and lately, we’ve been seeing rising suicide rates globally, and within India. With an ageing population, we’re also witnessing an increase in psychiatric disorders and cognitive issues like dementia among the elderly. It’s important that science doesn’t remain confined within the scientific community. We need to take the science out into the public to help people better understand mental disorders, reduce stigma, and promote acceptance.” She continues, “People with mental disorders, just like everyone else, need to care for their mental health. Mental illness is not simply the absence of mental health; maintaining mental well-being is crucial. Knowing where to turn for help is equally important.”
“We need to take the science out into the public to help people understand mental disorders, reduce stigma, and promote acceptance.” – Dr Pratima Murthy, Director – NIMHANS
One of Mannotsava’s defining features is its inclusion of art, cinema, and other forms of creative expression to engage attendees with mental health topics. Nilekani firmly believes in the power of art and culture to foster understanding. “Art and culture are absolutely critical when addressing most societal issues, including mental health. Artists, through various cultural mediums, help human beings understand the world around them. There are things that often go unseen, unheard, or unexplained – things that trouble people but have no voice, or issues that are difficult to discuss. Very often, art and culture – whether through plays, paintings, or films – can help familiarise society with these concepts in ways that other forms of communication cannot,” she says.
Dr Murthy agrees that creative portrayals of mental illness can play a crucial role in shaping public perception. “They can either perpetuate stigma, as we saw in older films, or they can foster sensitivity, as we see today. Art can highlight the fact that people with mental disorders can be incredibly creative, and we must avoid stigmatising them as dysfunctional members of society,” she explains.
Mannotsava, will be held on Oct 26 & 27, 10 am onwards at NIMHANS Convention Centre, Hosur Road: For more information, visit: www.nationalmentalhealthfestival.com.
