Bidar Observes World Mental Health Day with Public Awareness Rally

Bidar, Karnataka | 10 October 2026: A public awareness rally was organized in Bidar on the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2026 to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek timely professional support. The programme was jointly organized by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat Bidar, District Legal Services Authority, District Health and Family Welfare Department, BRIMS Bidar, District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), BREADS Bengaluru, and Don Bosco Social Service Society, Bidar.

The rally commenced at the District Health Officer’s Office at 8:30 a.m. and proceeded through Rajiv Gandhi Chowk, Ambedkar Circle, Shivaji Chowk, and the Karnataka Bank route before concluding at Government Nursing College, Bidar. More than 120 participants, including healthcare professionals, government officials, teachers, students, counsellors, and community representatives, took part in the rally. Carrying awareness placards and raising slogans, they highlighted the importance of emotional well-being, professional mental health support, and the Tele-MANAS helpline 14416.

Addressing the participants, Dr. Kiran Patil, District Mental Health Programme Officer, Bidar, emphasized that mental health is an integral part of personal, family, and social well-being and deserves the same attention as physical health. Dr. Raghavendra Vagole, Psychiatrist at BRIMS Bidar, stressed the importance of early identification and timely intervention, encouraging people experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, or emotional distress to seek professional help without hesitation.

Fr. Steven Lawrence, Director of Don Bosco Social Service Society, Bidar, highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts through the MINDS Project to promote mental health awareness among students, teachers, parents, and communities. He also emphasized the importance of equipping teachers to create safe, supportive, and child-friendly school environments.

The rally underscored the need to overcome misconceptions and discrimination surrounding mental health conditions and encouraged the public to access appropriate support services. The programme was attended by Dr. Sangareddy, Taluk Health Officer, Bidar, along with representatives of the health department, DMHP, BRIMS, District Legal Services Authority, Don Bosco Social Service Society, the MINDS Team, partner organizations, and the general public.

The rally reinforced the message of World Mental Health Day 2026, “Listening to Experiences, Real Voices, Real Change,” highlighting the importance of listening, understanding, and collective action in building a mentally healthy and supportive community. The initiative also strengthened collaboration among government departments, healthcare institutions, educational institutions, and civil society organizations to promote mental well-being across Bidar District.