Tag: depression

EduConnect

IGNITE 1.0: Overnight Leadership and Communication Boot Camp

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Mass Communication and Journalism organised IGNITE 1.0, an overnight leadership and communication boot camp held on 6 and 7 December 2025 at Salesians of Don Bosco, Odxel. Designed around the theme of “learn, unlearn and lead,” the camp aimed to strengthen students’ communication abilities, teamwork skills and interpersonal growth. A total of 23 students from the FY, SY and TY batches participated in the programme.

The camp opened with a session on problem-solving, critical thinking and social etiquette, where students were encouraged to understand their core selves, communicate effectively and recognise how perspectives differ among individuals. Interactive activities, including a team-entangling challenge, highlighted leadership, patience and collective progress, while also drawing attention to the role of body language, social cues and respectful communication.

The second session focused on leadership, teamwork and time management, using collaborative exercises to demonstrate the importance of coordination, clear goals and working toward a shared vision. Students were encouraged to dream ambitiously while learning how effective time management supports both personal and professional growth. The day concluded with a shared barbecue dinner and recreation, fostering bonding and camaraderie.

The second day began with a morning beach activity followed by a reflective prayer session that emphasised balancing future aspirations with living meaningfully in the present. Students were reminded of the determination required to pursue purposeful goals while remaining grounded in the moment.

A session on building meaningful connections highlighted the importance of authenticity, active listening and empathy in both personal and professional relationships. Through guided reflection and interactive exercises, students explored self-awareness, emotional resilience and the question of personal identity.

The final session centred on kindness and empathy, encouraging students to reflect on their place in the world, their awareness of others and how their individual skills can contribute positively to society. Through paired discussions and thoughtful activities, participants were guided toward a deeper understanding of compassion and responsibility.

IGNITE 1.0 concluded as a meaningful and transformative experience, offering students a safe and engaging space to develop essential life skills, strengthen bonds and grow as future communicators by learning, unlearning and discovering themselves along the way.

rip

Baek Se-hee, Author of I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, Dies at 35

Tanisha Cardozo

Baek Se-hee, the South Korean author of the internationally acclaimed memoir I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, has died at the age of 35. Known for her candid exploration of mental health and her ability to articulate the quiet inner conflicts that many face, Baek leaves behind a legacy of honesty, empathy, and cultural impact.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DP8SkZ6AeTw/

Her 2018 book, which was originally published in Korean, quickly became a cultural touchstone. Composed of a series of real conversations with her psychiatrist, the book offered readers a rare and unfiltered look into the daily struggles of living with persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia). In doing so, Baek challenged social stigmas and gave language to thoughts and feelings that often remain unspoken.

The memoir struck a powerful chord with readers not just in South Korea, but globally. Following its English translation in 2022, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki became a bestseller in over 25 countries, selling more than a million copies worldwide. Its title—juxtaposing despair with a craving for a beloved Korean street food—embodied the paradoxes of life with mental illness: the desire to give up, yet also the impulse to hold on for the small joys.

The circumstances surrounding Baek’s death remain unclear. However, in a statement released by the Korean Organ Donation Agency, it was revealed that Baek had donated her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys—saving five lives in the process. Her final act reflects the deep compassion that marked both her life and work. A message from her sister included in the statement said Baek “wanted to share her heart with others through her work, and to inspire hope.”

In a world where silence around mental health is often the norm, Baek Se-hee wrote with courage and clarity. Her words made readers feel less alone. Her story became a mirror for many, especially young people navigating similar emotional terrains. Her book was not only a success in sales, but a rare example of how literature can serve as both a confessional and a collective healing space.

As tributes pour in from readers, authors, and mental health advocates, Baek’s work continues to resonate. Her passing is a significant loss to global literature and the mental health community, but her impact will live on in the hearts of readers she moved and lives she saved.

Films

Rab Di Awaaz Screening Inspires Inclusion at Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High

Tanisha Cardozo

As part of the pre-events for the highly anticipated International Purple Fest, Goa 2025, Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High School, Porvorim, had the honour of hosting the screening of Rab Di Awaaz, a powerful and emotive film series that beautifully captures the lives and challenges of persons with disabilities.

Organized by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, and the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the event was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, the United Nations, and the Rotary Club of Bardez Coastal. This inspiring initiative aimed to foster awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the need for inclusion and equal opportunities in all spheres of life.

The program featured esteemed guests including Mr. Ojaswwee Sharma, National Award–Winning Film Director; Mr. Bhasker Pandey, Film Editor; Mr. Shridhar Gupta, Editor; and Dr. Rimpi Arora, Advisor on Policy and Inclusion. Mr. Sharma addressed the students and faculty, offering a compelling talk on the creative process behind Rab Di Awaaz and the importance of inclusive storytelling in reshaping societal perspectives.

What made the screening unique was its delivery format—telecasted in every classroom using Smart TV panels, a pioneering step that sets Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High apart as the first school in Goa to integrate Smart Class facilities in all classrooms. This technology-enabled approach ensured that every student, from primary to high school, could engage with the film in an immersive and accessible manner.

The event left a lasting impression on students, instilling a sense of empathy and awareness about the challenges and strengths of persons with disabilities. It was not just a film screening, but a step toward building a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate generation.

Through initiatives like these, Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High School continues to be a beacon of progressive, values-driven education that goes beyond academics to shape socially responsible individuals.

Health

Don Bosco College Panjim Hosts State-Level Mental Health Awareness Event

Tanisha Cardozo

Don Bosco College, Panjim, marked Mental Health Week with a powerful State-Level Mental Health Awareness Celebration on September 30, 2025. Organised by the Department of Psychology and the Wellness Club, in collaboration with the WOW Foundation and Aaji Care, the event served as a platform for dialogue, education, and empowerment around mental health, focusing on both youth resilience and dementia awareness.

The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Amit Dias, Assistant Professor at the Department of Preventive Medicine, Goa Medical College. His session, titled “Ask about Dementia, Ask about Alzheimer’s,” underscored the importance of early diagnosis, supportive caregiving, and breaking societal silence around aging-related mental health conditions. His insights were both informative and emotional, highlighting how dementia affects not just individuals but entire families and communities.

Adding to the depth of the event, Ms. Ketaakii Parob Gadekar, Founder and President of the WOW Foundation, led a highly engaging session on “Psychological Resilience among Teenagers.” With real-life scenarios and practical tools, she spoke about the increasing pressures faced by today’s youth and the need to equip them with strategies to manage stress, uncertainty, and emotional challenges in a rapidly evolving world.

Dr. Vijay Viegas, Head of the Department of Psychology, emphasized the impact of such events in creating mental health awareness at the grassroots level. Ms. Nerissa Zuzarte, the Event Coordinator, was instrumental in ensuring the smooth and impactful execution of the program, which saw participation from a wide spectrum of educational institutions including GVM College, St. Xavier’s College, Chowgule College, Carmel College, and Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre.

College Principal Dr. Cedric Silveira and Director Fr. Kinley D’Cruz praised the initiative, underlining the role of educational institutions in nurturing not just academic excellence but holistic well-being. They reiterated the need for ongoing efforts to normalise mental health conversations and provide safe spaces for students and faculty alike.

The event concluded with a collective reflection on the true meaning of mental health—not just as the absence of illness but as the presence of well-being, inner strength, and community support. The success of the program echoed a growing awareness in Goa’s educational circles: that mental health is essential, and the time to act is now.

Social

World Hemophilia Day 2025: “Access for All – Women and Girls Bleed Too”

allycaralgoa

On April 17, 2025, the global bleeding disorders community will unite to raise awareness and advocate for improved care and support for women and girls with bleeding disorders. World Hemophilia Day is a pivotal moment to challenge inequities, break stigmas, and ensure comprehensive care for all individuals affected by these conditions.

The Challenge: Underdiagnosis and Underservice
Women and girls with bleeding disorders often face delayed diagnoses and limited access to treatment due to a lack of understanding about their unique needs. This year’s theme, “Access for All – Women and Girls Bleed Too,” highlights the urgent need to address these gaps and ensure equitable care for everyone in the bleeding disorders community.

The Impact: Strengthening the Community
By prioritizing the diagnosis and treatment of women and girls with bleeding disorders, we can improve their quality of life and strengthen the entire bleeding disorders community. As Cesar Garrido, WFH President, emphasizes, “Recognizing women and girls with bleeding disorders is a significant milestone for our community… Prioritizing their diagnosis and treatment is crucial, and doing so strengthens our entire bleeding disorders community.”

How to Get Involved
There are many ways to participate in World Hemophilia Day and make a difference:

  • Get Social: Share your story and raise awareness on social media using hashtags like #WorldHemophiliaDay, #WHD2025, #WeBleedToo, and #LightItUpRed.
  • Support Advocacy Efforts: Donate to support global advocacy initiatives and help build a better future for individuals with bleeding disorders.
  • Share Your Story: Submit your story to the WFH website and inspire others with your experiences.
  • Download Resources: Access posters, social media banners, and other materials to help build your World Hemophilia Day campaign.

Creating a Future with Treatment for All
World Hemophilia Day is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities to come together and advocate for equitable care and support. By working together, we can create a future where Treatment for All is a reality, and equity, care, and empowerment define the lives of those living with bleeding disorders.