Delhi Teachers University Hosts Mental Health Seminar Ahead of World Mental Health Day

Delhi, October 9: Delhi Teachers University (DeTU) organised a seminar on mental health and well-being at its seminar hall on Friday, on the eve of World Mental Health Day. The session aimed to equip future educators with the emotional resilience, self-awareness and coping skills needed for personal well-being and professional success.

The programme was specifically designed for students pursuing B.A. Education and M.A. Education. It began with a welcome address by Dr. Sanjeev Rai, Registrar of the university, followed by a keynote address by Dr. Swati Mukerjee, an eminent psychologist from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Focus on emotional resilience and stress management

Addressing the students, Dr. Mukerjee discussed mental health challenges commonly faced by young adults, including academic stress, anxiety and everyday pressures. She emphasised that well-being extends beyond the absence of illness and requires self-reflection, positive self-talk and emotional resilience.

She shared practical coping strategies and encouraged students to overcome the stigma associated with mental health concerns and seek professional assistance whenever needed.

Sanjay from the Harijan Sevak Sangh attended the programme as a distinguished guest. In his address, he highlighted the importance of holistic development, social inclusivity and empathy in building resilient communities and nurturing compassionate educators.

Anonymous questions encourage open dialogue

A key feature of the seminar was its interactive and supportive format. An innovative place cards method enabled students to submit questions and share personal concerns anonymously.

Dr. Mukerjee responded to the queries with empathy and practical guidance, helping create a comfortable, non-judgmental environment where students could engage openly with issues related to mental health.

Faculty members, including Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Dr. Nasruddin, Dr. Shallu, Dr. Shagufta, Dr. Richa and Dr. Tania Sharma, emphasised that future teachers must prioritise their own mental well-being to create emotionally safe and supportive classrooms for their students.

The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks and a collective pledge to make mental well-being a priority across the university community. The initiative underscored the importance of mental health awareness in teacher education and the role educators can play in fostering supportive learning environments.