World Mental Health Week Celebrated At NFSU

The School of Behavioural Forensics, National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, celebrated the World Mental Health Week to commemorate World Mental Health Day. Padma Shri Awardee, Dr JM Vyas, Vice Chancellor of NFSU, gave the presidential address in the master of the ceremony, which was held on 15th October, 2025.

Special Invitees were DIG Prashant K Sharma, TM, CoS(offg); HQ-CGR(NW); Brig. Anil Kakade, Ahmedabad Army Cantt., Ahmedabad and Lt. Col. Dr Sanjay Kumar, Associate Professor and HoD, Department of Psychiatry, Military Hospital, Ahmedabad. Prof. (Dr) SO Junare, Campus Director, NFSU-Gandhinagar; CD Jadeja, Executive Registrar, NFSU and Prof. (Dr) Purvi Pokhariyal, Campus Director, NFSU-Delhi, were also present on the dais.

Padma Shri Awardee, Dr JM Vyas, Vice Chancellor of NFSU, said in his presidential speech that controlling the mind is as challenging as taming the wind. Through consistent practice and introspection, we can gradually educate the mind. By reflecting on our reactions, acknowledging emotional missteps like anger or anxiety, fear and guilt, and consciously choosing better responses, we foster mental discipline.

This leads to a healthier mind, body, and life. Everyone faces emotional struggles, but with patience and self-study, we can transform suffering into peace, harmony, and happiness. In this way, the controlled mind makes our life peaceful.

DIG Prashant K Sharma, TM, CoS(offg); HQ-CGR(NW) said in his speech that Mental health issues in the Armed Forces stem from operational stress, trauma, isolation, and digital overload. Despite existing support systems, rising cases of suicide and fratricide demand urgent, science-backed intervention.

The Indian Coast Guard and NFSU have signed an MoU to address this crisis through collaborative research and field workshops. This partnership marks a pivotal step toward strengthening emotional resilience and overall well-being in uniformed services.

The Mental Health Week aimed to create awareness about mental health and explain its importance to the general public. A 'Mental Health' rally was also organised at the campus on the last day of the event. Students and Faculty members participated in the rally. The workshop was also held, where experts from various domains shared their profound knowledge.

Prof. (Dr) SO Junare, Campus Director, NFSU-Gandhinagar, delivered the welcome address and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Smita Pandey, Associate Dean-School of Behavioural Forensics-NFSU. On this occasion, Forensic Psychology Experts, Deans and Associate Deans of various schools of NFSU, faculty members and students were present.