Inauguration of Academic Year 2023-2024 at Don Bosco College Sulthan Bathery: Emphasizing Excellence, Nature, and Mental Health

Don Bosco College, Sulthan Bathery, inaugurated the academic year 2023-2024 in a noble ceremony on July 05, 2023, at 9:45 am during the morning assembly. The inauguration ceremony was led by the Principal, Dr. Johnson Ponthempilly SDB, who recited the students’ prayers and gave the message on the college year theme Excellence 2023. This was followed by a judicious message by Dr. Antony Thekkedath, SDB, Rector and Manager Fr. Antony stressed the importance of education, assimilation of values, and personality development. This was followed by the News Letter 2022-2023 release by the Principal and the Rector.
Dr Antony Thekkedath, SDB, Rector and Manager inaugurated the newly developed Students Recreation Park. While thanking everyone, especially the College Administrator, Fr. Cinto Kannaen, Dr. Fr Johnson Ponthempilly, the principal reminded every gathered that nowadays, students are exposed to high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues. And spending time with nature promotes tangible benefits for students’ mental health and well-being. The aim of our park is to create an engagement with nature and let students spend some time in nature which results in a positive impact on their mental health. The Campus Minister, Fr. Joseph TT, and Fr Jenson also were present during the ceremony. This inaugural function marked a new chapter in the pages of the institution.
In the afternoon, the college club inauguration was held together with the book release of Fr Johnson Ponthempilly. The book “Spiritual Well-Being and Social Support: A Pathway to Mental Health of Adolescents” by Dr. Johnson Ponthempilly SDB was officially released on March 08, 2023, at Don Bosco College Sulthan Bathery by Dr. P.C. Roy, the Principal of St. Mary’s College Bathery. The event was organized and attended by Rev Dr Fr Antony Thekkedath, Rector, and college staff and students.
While releasing the book, Dr Roy said the book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the relationship between spirituality, social support, and mental health. It is especially relevant for adolescents and people who work for adolescents, adolescents are at a critical juncture in their development and may be particularly vulnerable to mental health problems.
Dr Antony Thekkedeth said the book is divided into three parts. The first part provides an overview of the concepts of spiritual well-being and social support. The second part reviews the research literature on the relationship between these two factors and mental health. The third part presents case studies of individuals who have benefited from spiritual well-being and social support in their mental health journey.
The book concludes by arguing that spiritual well-being and social support are essential ingredients for mental health. The author encourages readers to find ways to cultivate these factors in their own lives and to offer support to others who are struggling with mental health problems. “Spiritual Well-Being and Social Support: A Pathway to Mental Health of Adolescents” is a well-written and informative book that provides a valuable overview of the relationship between spirituality, social support, and mental health. The book is relevant for adolescents, parents, educators, and mental health professionals. The author Dr Fr Johnson Ponthempilly thanked Salesians and college staff for their support in bringing out the book.
The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the relationship between spirituality, social support, and mental health. It is especially relevant for adolescents, who are at a critical juncture in their development and may be particularly vulnerable to mental health problems. The book is exhibited in the college library, where students and teachers can access and reflect upon their mental health for their personal well-being.