BRAC University observed “World Mental Health Day 2023” on its Mohakhali campus premises on 8 October, 2023. The daylong programs organized by the university’s Counselling Unit and Cultural Club and Leadership Development Forum included a campaign, discussion, lecture, speeches, presentations and cultural performances.
The focus was on strengthening collaboration among the university’s stakeholders to create a compassionate and human rights-friendly environment that promotes mutual respect and celebrates diversity.
According to the Counselling Unit, mental health is a basic human right. Every person, irrespective of their identity, has the right to attain the highest standard of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care, and the right to liberty, independence, and inclusion in the community. This also gives an opportunity to create an environment to celebrate diversity.
The day started off with a mental health awareness campaign in the morning, with students participating in different mental health activities at different booths along with sessions of yoga and meditation.
A discussion was held in the auditorium afterwards in which Mahfuzul Aziz, Pro Vice Chancellor and Acting Vice-Chancellor, Jenefa Jabbar, Director of Human Rights And Legal Aid Services And Social Compliance of BRAC, Dave Dowland, Registrar, and Professor Rubana Ahmed, Proctor, shared their thoughts.
In the evening, Professor Mehtab Khanam, Advisor of the Counseling Unit, shared the significance of mental health and how reflective understanding of the university’s stakeholders can help create an environment that could celebrate diversity. She also added that such reflections regarding self-development can help secure rights to have proper mental health care. She also listened to students and discussed the topic with them.