A Landmark Event: The Indian Mental Health Summit 2024
The Indian Mental Health Summit 2024, spearheaded by Pritha Saha Dutta and team, concluded with remarkable success, establishing itself as a pivotal gathering for the mental health community. This event brought together professionals and enthusiasts dedicated to mental health advocacy and innovation, creating a space for meaningful discussions and networking, QI Media (Media Partner).
Inauguration and Keynote Addresses
The day commenced with a lively registration and networking breakfast, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration. The opening ceremony featured a traditional Diya lighting, symbolizing the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. Keynote addresses by the sponsors Samarpan De-addiction Centre, and Rapturous Jigsaw by Geetika Dubey highlighted innovative approaches, such as using jigsaw puzzles for early-stage neurocognitive disorders, captivating the audience’s attention.
Insightful Panel Discussions
The summit featured seven thought-provoking panels:
1. Beyond the Pill (Pill Shaming): Debunking Myths and Exploring the Essentials of Psychiatry
– Speakers: Dr. Wilona (Founder, Catalysts), Dr. Vatsal Suchak (Founder, Vatsal Suchak Clinic), Samindara Sawant (Founder, Disha Counseling Centre), Rupa Chaubal (Founder, Aantarleen Mental Health Centre).
2. LGBTQ+ Mental Health: Fostering Inclusive and Affirming Practices
– Speakers: Richa Vaishista (Founder, Leher Mental Health), Umang Sheth (Founder, Hugging Club of India), Pallavi Gajara (Founder, Pakhru Counseling), Aryan Somaiya (Co-Founder, Guftagu Counseling).
3. Unlocking Opportunities: Strategies for Securing Corporate Speaking Engagements in Mental Health
– Speakers: Dr. Tanuja Prem (Founder, Education Matters), Devendra Naik (Founder, Nomobo), Mohit Sahni (Co-Founder, Power 8 Wellness), Arun Naik (Consultant & Facilitator).
4. Empowering Practice: Insights for Mental Health Professionals Establishing Private Practices
– Speakers: Advocate Aparajita Chandra, Anita Chinnari FCA (Partner, Venu & Vinay), Anuradha Prabhudesai (Co-Founder, Disha Counseling Centre), Asira Chirmuley (Director, Atha Centre).
5. Paws and Play: Unleashing the Power of Animal-Assisted and Play Therapies
– Speakers: Gayatri Ayyr (Founder, Pawsitive Synergies), Jaai Bapat (Pawsitive Synergies), Nachiket Deshpande (Founder, DOG AAT), Jahanvi Thakker
– This panel featured a heartwarming live interaction with therapy animals, which delighted attendees and underscored the therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted therapy.
6. Harmony or Dissonance: Navigating the Future of AI + Apps and Therapy – Can We Coexist?
– Speakers: Dr. Akshay S P (Founder, Cydra Tech), Misba Shah (Director, ICHARS & MeetGoals), Tarun Panda (Founder, Therasoft India), Raksha Rajesh (Senior Psychologist at Mitsu Care).
7. Digital Growth Strategies: Leveraging the Power of Social Media for Psychologists, Therapists, and Counselors’ Business Development
– Speakers: Dr. Prithika Saxena, Purvi Shah, Divya Srivastava, Raksha Rajesh.
Engaging Highlights and Audience Enthusiasm
The excitement peaked with the live demonstration involving therapy dogs, bringing joy and smiles to many attendees. The summit also experienced a high turnout, with numerous people arriving at the venue in search of tickets, reflecting the growing public interest in mental health issues.
Support from Sponsors
The summit’s success was bolstered by the generous support of sponsors, whose contributions were instrumental in making the event possible. Their involvement highlighted the critical role of collaborative efforts in advancing mental health initiatives.
- DISHA COUNSELING CENTRE,
- THERASOFT
- POWER 8 WELLNESS
- PSYCHOLOGIST COLLECTIVE
- SILVER LINING COUNSELING CENTRE
- THE GIRAFFE SPACE
- NM PRINTS
- DESIGN HIVE
- NHEA
- NECTAR TREATS
- SOAPS N MORE
- AISHA’S BEAUTY CONCEPTS
- YRAL
Closing and Future Prospects
The summit concluded with closing remarks from Pritha Saha Dutta, the founder of the Indian Mental Health Summit, leaving attendees with a sense of achievement and unity.
“This past day has been a whirlwind of brilliant minds, passionate hearts, and a shared goal: making mental health a priority in India. From students to seasoned professionals, we’ve shared stories, learned from experts, and most importantly, connected. But this summit isn’t the finish line, it’s the starting line for a movement. The people you met here, the connections you made – that’s the power we carry forward.”
The event not only provided a platform for sharing knowledge but also emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration within the mental health community.
The successful completion of the Indian Mental Health Summit 2024 sets a promising precedent for future editions, which will continue to foster innovative discussions and impactful collaborations in the field of mental health.
