Sri Vijaya Puram, June 15: Mental health awareness, addiction prevention and holistic wellness took centre stage in Rangat this week as health authorities organized a specialist mental health camp alongside yoga and awareness programmes under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and International Day of Yoga observance.
The initiatives, conducted by the Health Department and associated agencies, brought together healthcare professionals, government officials and members of the public to promote mental well-being while highlighting the importance of healthy lifestyles and substance abuse prevention.
A Specialist Mental Health Camp was organized at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Rangat, on June 12, providing residents with access to free psychiatric and psychological consultation services. The camp was aimed at improving access to mental healthcare and encouraging individuals facing psychological or emotional challenges to seek professional support.
Specialist services were provided by Aathira J. Prakash, Psychiatrist from Dr. R.P. District Hospital, Mayabunder. During the camp, patients received psychiatric evaluations, counselling and treatment guidance tailored to their needs.
Officials reported that a total of 12 patients, including both new and follow-up cases, availed themselves of the specialist services. Consultations covered a range of mental health concerns, and patients requiring treatment were provided with counselling and psychiatric medicines as necessary.
Healthcare professionals emphasized that early intervention and timely treatment play a crucial role in managing mental health conditions and improving overall quality of life. The camp also served as an opportunity to reduce stigma associated with mental health issues and encourage greater community awareness.
The focus on wellness continued with an awareness programme, yoga session and meditation workshop held at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Panchayat Hall in Rangat as part of preparations for International Day of Yoga 2026 and the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. B. Bindu Kumar, Medical Officer (Homoeopathy), CHC Rangat. Participants were introduced to the objectives of the awareness campaign and the importance of adopting healthier lifestyles.
Addressing the gathering, Deepanshu Vohra praised the efforts being undertaken under the NCORD mechanism to combat substance abuse and promote public health. He encouraged residents, particularly young people, to stay away from tobacco, alcohol, narcotic substances and other harmful addictions.
He also urged the community to embrace positive lifestyle choices, including regular yoga practice and physical activity, as tools for maintaining good health and preventing substance dependence.
A major highlight of the programme was an interactive awareness session led by Dr. Aathira J. Prakash. The session explored the relationship between mental well-being, mindfulness and addiction prevention, drawing attention to the growing importance of mental health in contemporary society.
Participants were informed about the role of yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices in reducing stress, improving emotional resilience and supporting recovery from addiction-related challenges. Discussions also focused on the need for early identification of mental health concerns and the importance of supportive family and community environments.
Officials noted that substance abuse prevention requires coordinated efforts involving healthcare providers, educational institutions, families and local communities. Awareness campaigns under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan seek to address these issues through education, outreach and community engagement.
The yoga and meditation sessions offered participants practical exposure to techniques that can help improve concentration, reduce anxiety and promote overall wellness. Organisers said such activities are particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced environment, where stress and lifestyle-related health concerns continue to rise.
The programmes in Rangat form part of a broader series of initiatives being conducted across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands ahead of International Day of Yoga on June 21 and under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. Authorities said these efforts aim to build healthier communities by promoting mental wellness, preventive healthcare and addiction-free living.
Health officials expressed hope that continued awareness campaigns and specialist outreach services would encourage more individuals to seek help when needed and contribute to the development of a healthier, more informed society.
