Tag: mental health

Social

Dr. Shekhar Salkar Leads Enlightening Session on Tobacco and Substance Abuse at Dilasa

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Goa | July 2025 — In a continued commitment to community health education, renowned oncologist and public health advocate Dr. Shekhar Salkar conducted a compelling awareness session at the Dyanada Swatantraysenani Laxmidas Borkar Memorial Auditorium, attended by over 125 participants including students and educators.

The lecture focused on the alarming rise in tobacco and substance abuse among adolescents, especially among young females. Dr. Salkar highlighted the increasing use of both smoking and smokeless tobacco forms, influenced by family habits, peer pressure, and media glamorization.

One of the most poignant messages was his declaration that “No smoking is the best strategy,” urging youth to never start, and reinforcing that willpower alone is often enough to quit.

He further explained the dangerous progression from smoking to drug addiction, emphasizing the interconnected nature of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Warning signs like changes in friend circles or behavioral shifts were flagged as early indicators of possible substance use.

Educators were urged to be vigilant, identify signs of student stress, and work alongside school counselors, who are now available in every institution, to ensure early intervention and support.

The lecture ended on a hopeful note, empowering participants with knowledge, clarity, and purpose to resist addiction and help others do the same. Dr. Salkar’s powerful session is sure to inspire long-term action towards a healthier, addiction-free youth in Goa and beyond.

Social

Anger Management Workshop held for kids in Margao

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MARGAO: Margao Congress leader Chirag Naik emphasised the importance of managing anger, anxiety, and arrogance in life while addressing children at an Anger Management Workshop held on Sunday in Margao.

The workshop, conducted by Anisha Kapdi in association with the Chirag Datta Naik Initiative, was organised for children aged 7 to 14 years.

“There are three A’s — Anger, Anxiety and Arrogance — and it is very important to keep them in control,” Naik said, urging Anisha to conduct more such sessions focusing on these areas.

The two-hour workshop focused on teaching children healthy ways to recognise and manage their anger. Naik congratulated Kapdi for organising the successful event.

Speaking on the occasion, Anisha Kapdi highlighted the need to guide young minds during their formative years.

“It is very normal and natural for anyone to feel anger. It has to be expressed in a healthy way, otherwise it suffocates a person. We focused on helping the children learn how to handle anger without hurting themselves or others. They were taught five practical skills — relaxation, distraction, movement, physical release, communication and thinking — to stay calm and manage anger effectively,” she said.

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Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd. (IPSCDL) Celebrates International Yoga Day with a Renewed Focus on Wellness and Mindfulness

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Senior Leadership, Staff, and Wellness Experts Come Together in a Unified Display of Holistic Well-being

Panaji, June 21, 2025 – On the occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd. (IPSCDL) hosted a dedicated yoga session at its headquarters in Panaji, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to holistic health, mindfulness, and workplace wellness.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from across the organization, led by Managing Director & CEO Mr. Sandip Jacques, IAS, and Mr. Brijesh Manerkar, Director of Municipal Administration. Staff members from various departments came together in a serene and focused environment to collectively embrace the ancient Indian practice of yoga.

🌿 Guided by Expertise, Grounded in Tradition

The session was conducted by Ms. Sheela Kankonkar, the Principal Yoga Teacher from Patanjali Yoga Samiti, known for her deep understanding and decades of teaching experience in yogic practices.

The 60-minute session included:

  • Breathing Techniques (Pranayama) to promote respiratory health and mental clarity
  • Stretching and Foundational Asanas for posture and flexibility
  • Mindfulness Practices and Meditation to support emotional well-being and focus

The session focused on balance—both physical and mental—reaffirming the role of yoga in today’s fast-paced professional and urban lifestyle.

🗣️ Leadership Speaks on Wellness & Smart Cities

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sandip Jacques, IAS, emphasized the importance of integrating well-being into urban development and workplace culture:

“As an organization leading the transformation of Panaji into a Smart City, we must remember that smartness begins with our people. Yoga provides us with the tools to stay centered, healthy, and resilient as we shape the future of urban India.”

Mr. Brijesh Manerkar echoed these sentiments, highlighting that wellness is not an option, but a necessity for productivity and innovation, especially in roles focused on urban governance and planning.

🏙️ Smart City, Mindful Citizens

The event underlined IPSCDL’s broader commitment to not only build intelligent infrastructure but also promote human-centric urban design—where health, sustainability, and community are integral to the city’s DNA.

The Yoga Day celebration aligns with Panaji’s evolving identity as a city that balances heritage with forward-thinking development, and infrastructure with wellness.

Human Interest

Street Providence Trust Opens 15th Shelter Home in Kankavli, Sindhudurg

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A Haven for 50 Homeless Men with Mental Disabilities

Kankavli, Sindhudurg | June 2025:
In a significant step towards expanding its mission of serving the most vulnerable, Street Providence Trust has inaugurated its 15th shelter home, located in Kankavli, a town in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district. The new facility is dedicated to the care, rehabilitation, and reintegration of 50 homeless men suffering from mental disabilities.

Known for its compassionate work across Goa and neighboring states, Street Providence Trust continues to provide critical services to the mentally ill and destitute—individuals often neglected by society and left to suffer on the streets.

🧠 A Lifeline for the Mentally Ill

The newly launched home in Kankavli is equipped to offer:

  • Safe and hygienic accommodation
  • Nutritious meals
  • Basic medical care and psychiatric support
  • Rehabilitation programs aimed at reintegration

With a team of trained caregivers, medical professionals, and volunteers, the facility ensures that residents receive dignified, structured care that helps them regain a sense of identity and stability.

🤝 A Growing Network of Compassion

This shelter is the 15th facility set up by Street Providence Trust, which has consistently worked toward addressing the intersection of homelessness, mental health, and poverty. Their model blends humanitarian outreach with structured recovery programs, enabling many to re-enter society or reconnect with their families.

“There is a deep, unmet need in our society to care for the mentally ill poor who are often invisible. With each shelter we open, we try to bring hope where it was once lost,” said Donald Fernandes, founder of Street Providence Trust.

📍 Why Kankavli?

Kankavli, situated in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, borders Goa and has witnessed increasing numbers of mentally challenged individuals without support systems. The strategic location of the shelter will serve not only local residents but also those from surrounding rural and coastal regions who have little or no access to mental health care.

❤️ Community Support & Volunteerism

Street Providence’s work thrives on public goodwill and donations, both material and monetary. The organization continues to appeal to local communities for support, volunteers, and collaboration, as the shelter moves from inauguration to full capacity.

Those interested in contributing can reach out via the trust’s official website or social media platforms.

📢 About Street Providence Trust

Street Providence is a Goa-based registered charity focused on mental health, homelessness, and hunger relief. Since its inception, it has become a beacon of hope for hundreds, building shelters, providing free food and medication, and working alongside government and non-governmental agencies.

With the opening of the Kankavli shelter, the Trust moves closer to its vision of a compassionate India where no mentally ill person is left to suffer on the streets.

Social

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

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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.