President Murmu Urges NIMHANS to Incorporate Yoga for Mental and Physical Wellness

Bengaluru: President Droupadi Murmu on January 3, 2025, called upon the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) to integrate traditional practices like Yoga into mental health care models to address both mental and physical distress.

While addressing the golden jubilee celebrations of NIMHANS in Bengaluru, the President highlighted the effectiveness of Yoga and meditation in countering negative mindsets. "NIMHANS can successfully incorporate traditional methods such as Yoga to alleviate both mental and physical distress," she said, adding that meditation techniques could be seamlessly integrated into mental health care approaches.

President Murmu emphasized the significance of traditional medical wisdom. "The wisdom and life lessons from our ancestors and seers can help us develop a spiritual framework to make sense of life's ups and downs," she said. Stressing the importance of mental health, she stated, "A healthy mind is the foundation of a healthy society. Our scriptures teach us that the mind is the root of everything we perceive."

Inputs from IANS revealed that the President lauded the growing awareness around mental health. She noted, "In the past, mental health issues were not given enough attention in some societies. However, in recent times, awareness has been rising. The stigmas and unscientific beliefs attached to mental illness are now largely a matter of the past, making it easier for individuals to seek help."

Murmu also pointed out the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to an increase in mental health challenges across all age groups. "Teenagers and youngsters face academic pressures, working professionals deal with high stress, and many elderly people suffer from loneliness due to social challenges. Domestic caregivers are also prone to mental illnesses that often go unnoticed," she added.

As per IANS, the President praised NIMHANS for its innovative mental health initiatives like Tele MANAS, which facilitates counselling services, and the SAMVAAD platform, which addresses child and adolescent mental health issues. She noted, "Your dedication to mental health services has played an exemplary role in society. NIMHANS' innovative research, academic excellence, and exceptional patient care have made it an undisputed leader in mental health and neurosciences."