World Mental Health Day Seminar Report
Session Theme: “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”
On 9th October 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Dimapur Government College hosted a seminar organized by the Department of Psychology in collaboration with Unity College, Dimapur, in observance of World Mental Health Day 2026. The program was held in the Seminar Hall and brought together a total of 75 attendees.
Those present included students, faculty members, and guests from both institutions, all gathered to mark the occasion. The seminar was designed to create awareness around mental health, with the aim of encouraging understanding, empathy, and open conversation about mental well-being.
The session was built around the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” which focused on the value of listening to and honouring the personal experiences of those who live with mental health struggles.
The program was opened by the Chairperson, Ms. Temsusenla Jamir, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Psychology, DGC, who welcomed the gathering and highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and understanding, along with the order of the program.
The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Sentinungla N. Pongen, Vice Principal of DGC. She welcomed the guests, faculty members, resource person, and students from both colleges, and emphasized the importance of not only sympathy but also empathy in dealing with people facing mental struggles, as well as the significance of mental health awareness.
A special number was performed by Ms. Surolila Y Sangtam, a 3rd Semester student of the English Department, Unity College, who sang a melodious song with an inspiring message.
The Chairperson then gave a brief introduction and educational background of the theme speaker, Ms. Nchumbeni Y. Jungio, Clinical Psychologist, Department of Psychiatry, CIHSR. Ms. Jungio delivered an engaging talk on the theme. She explained the history of the field of mental health, noting that in the past, people with mental illness were treated as objects of amusement, and reflected on the progress made, while acknowledging that there is still a long way to go. She also spoke about mental health programs in some rural areas and the stigmas associated with mental struggles and illness. She urged the students to be respectful of the stories of struggle shared by their friends and to be willing to help them, encouraging everyone to be “an agent of change” for those facing difficulties.
Through an activity, she asked students to respond to certain questions, reminding everyone that all of us carry stories in our lives, and that those stories are lived experiences. She also used an example of a book with different images on its two sides to illustrate the importance of being willing to see another person’s perspective, connecting it to the seminar’s theme.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Vilynuo Rupre-o, Counsellor, Unity College, Dimapur, who expressed gratitude to the Chairperson, the Vice Principal, the special number performer, and all who contributed to the program.
The program concluded with a benediction by Ms. Keyilingbeu Zeliang, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, DGC, followed by a photo session and light refreshment.
Recorded by;
Miss Opangtila Jamir
5th Semester, Department of Psychology
Miss Tonika I Kiba
3rd Semester, Department of Psychology