World Mental Health Week Celebration – 2026

|| Jai Sri Gurudev ||

Adichunchanagiri University
Faculty of Medical and Allied Health Sciences
Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS)

World Mental Health Week Celebration – 2026

The Department of Psychiatry, AIMS, in association with the Indian Psychiatric Society – Karnataka Chapter, observed World Mental Health Week 2026 through activities promoting mental health awareness, patient-centred care, and student engagement.

An essay-writing competition on “The Psychiatrist of Tomorrow: Human, Machine or Both?” was held on 5 October 2026 for undergraduate students and interns. The competition encouraged participants to reflect on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in psychiatry. A photo booth and rangoli display within the department further promoted mental health awareness among students, faculty members, and visitors.

The main programme, held on 8 October 2026, commenced with an invocation song by Ms. Shreya, a fourth-year undergraduate student. Dr. Tejaswi Prithviraj H. K., Associate Professor and In-Charge Head, Department of Psychiatry, welcomed the gathering. Dr. Shivakumar, Principal and Dean, delivered the keynote address, while Dr. Ravi K. S., Chief of Hospital, also addressed the participants. The guest speaker was felicitated by the dignitaries.

Patient testimonials brought attention to the lived experiences of individuals receiving psychiatric care. This was followed by a special guest lecture by Dr. Vinay H. R., who highlighted the importance of integrating lived experiences and shared decision-making into psychiatric practice. An interactive question-and-answer session provided an opportunity for participants to engage with the speaker.

The celebrations reinforced the importance of compassionate, collaborative psychiatric care and the meaningful involvement of individuals with lived experience. They also encouraged students to explore emerging technologies while keeping human experience central to clinical practice.

AIMS congratulates the Department of Psychiatry on successfully organising World Mental Health Week 2026.