“Mental wellness is about prevention, coping with life’s adversities and being resilient when we face challenges in life.”
Jleeb May 24, 2023: Indian Education School, Bhavans Kuwait, under the aegis of the Department of Psychology and Counselling, organised a session on 'Mental Health Wellness' for the students of grade 9 on May 23, 2023, in the school auditorium. The session aimed at fostering mental health awareness, enabling students to develop healthy coping mechanisms, nurture resilience, and easily avail the required support, all of which contribute to an enhanced quality of life.
The session commenced with a warm welcome speech by Mr. T. Premkumar, the Principal of Indian Education School, Kuwait. He expressed his gratitude to the esteemed resource person, Dr. Madhu Harihar, a renowned holistic health doctor, and Ms. Nandini Sharma, a senior faculty from ‘Art of Living’ organization and an active member of our parent community who facilitated the session. Mr. T. Premkumar emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mental state, managing stress, and developing healthy coping mechanisms to navigate life's challenges. Following the Principal's speech, Evanna Sarah Brijesh, a student of Grade 9F, delivered a formal welcome speech. She extended a warm welcome to Dr. Madhu Harihar and Ms. Nandini Sharma, acknowledging their valuable presence and expertise. The presence of the Vice Principals, Ms. Meenakshi Nayyar and Mr. Binoy Mathew, added further significance to the event.
Dr. Madhu Harihar, currently associated with Sri Sri Tattva Panchakarma in Muscat, is a holistic health practitioner with more than 17 years of experience. His specialization lies in treating lifestyle disorders and metabolic diseases. Dr. Madhu captivated the students with detailed information on brain development during adolescence and its impact on moods and emotions. He elucidated the harmful effects of consuming junk food and emphasized the detrimental impact of CRAP (chemicals, refined sugars, additives, preservatives) – the unholy trinity of salt, sugar, and fat. The students were made aware of how these unhealthy foods are linked to the functioning of the mind and brain. Dr. Madhu emphasized the significant role of the gut in influencing the cognitive and emotional centres of the brain. Following his session, Ms. Nandini Sharma explained the importance of breath in regulating emotions. Under her guidance, the students participated in a meditative session to understand the significance of mindfulness and various yoga practices, which contribute to the development of physical and mental well-being.
The students were greatly benefited from the extensive knowledge and experience shared by Dr. Madhu Harihar, the resource person. Dr. Madhu Harihar efficiently addressed the queries of the students regarding the development of healthy habits, the impact of processed foods, the need for relaxation techniques, and the importance of limiting social media usage.
As a token of appreciation, a beautiful painting representing 'Mental Wellbeing' created by Ms. Dania a student from Grade 10 was presented to Dr. Madhu Harihar by the Principal, Mr. T. Premkumar. Ms. Karen Ann Bobby of Grade 9C proposed the vote of thanks. The insightful session provided students with a holistic and multidisciplinary perspective on mental well-being, emphasizing the significance of self-care and enhancing overall quality of life.