Bengaluru recently hosted the much-awaited second edition of Manotsava: National Mental Health Festival, drawing hundreds of participants from across the country.
Co-created by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, NIMHANS, and NCBS, the festival transformed the Lalit Ashok venue into a vibrant hub where conversations around mental health, vulnerability, and community care took center stage.
Breaking the silence on intimacy, identity, and grief
Day one set the tone with panel discussions featuring voices like Dr. Sandip Deshpande and Dr. Shobha Managoli, delving into marital intimacy and the nuanced challenges Indian couples face, from societal expectations to a lack of open dialogue about sexual health.
The intersection of identity, vulnerability, and masculinity among Gen Z was highlighted by youth influencer Shivam Dutt and documentary filmmaker Rahul Roy, who urged attendees to recognize the need for safe spaces where men can express their emotions without fear of stigma.
Coach Sailaja Manacha emphasized how the relentless pursuit of career milestones can come at the expense of well-being, spotlighting the urgent need for workplaces to foster a culture that actively prioritizes mental health.
Panels led by experts from the Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy and NIMHANS underscored the multifaceted roots of suicide, from caste discrimination to economic hardship.
Tele MANAS, India’s national mental health helpline, emerged as a beacon of support, having handled over 25 lakh calls—40,000 pertaining to suicide, with most from individuals expressing suicidal thoughts.
Compassion, science, and the road ahead
Manotsava 2025 didn’t shy away from difficult topics like maternal mental health, stillbirth, and creating inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.
Innovations in the field, like using sports to foster mental health awareness, were celebrated. Festival speakers and attendees echoed a common hope that India’s mental health narrative continues to be shaped by courage, compassion, and collective action.
