Dimapur, October 9: The Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA), in collaboration with CAN Youth and Eastern Christian College (ECC), organised a mental health awareness programme to mark World Mental Health Day 2026, highlighting the importance of open conversations, access to treatment and ending the stigma surrounding mental health.
Speaking at the programme, the Principal of Eastern Christian College stressed the importance of organising such awareness initiatives, noting that mental health challenges affect people across all age groups and walks of life. He emphasised the need to normalise conversations around mental health, encouraging people to speak openly about their struggles rather than treating them as a stigma.
DDLSA panel lawyers also highlighted the authority’s role in creating awareness in schools, colleges and among the public, as well as providing free legal representation to eligible individuals with an annual income below ₹1 lakh. Panel lawyer Moatila Ao, speaking on the Mental Illness and Mentally Disabled Persons Scheme, 2016, emphasised that mental illness is treatable with proper care and medication, while underscoring the fundamental rights of persons with mental health conditions. Another panel lawyer, Thuiswangwiliu, discussed the Mental Illness and Intellectual Disabilities Scheme, 2024, highlighting provisions relating to access to mental healthcare and the right to nominate a representative, subject to applicable legal provisions.
Meanwhile, Livino Sumi, Youth Facilitator at CAN Youth, highlighted the importance of communicating one’s struggles with the right person. She encouraged participants to become a source of support for others, emphasising that sharing difficulties can make them easier to bear and urging everyone to be a source of comfort, happiness and understanding for those around them.
