On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the School of Behavioural Sciences & Forensic Investigations at Rashtriya Raksha University, Lavad organised a Vipassana session during the School’s festival Manotsav’24. The main aim of Manotsav was to raise awareness about mental health in an interactive way across all ages and professions.

The event commenced at 11 am on Thursday, 10th October, with the arrival of respected dignitaries – Hon’ble Chief Guest Acharya Shri Indravardhan Shah Ji, Hon’ble Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Prof. Kalpesh H. Wandhra, Chief Mentor of SBSFI Dr. S. L. Vaya, and Director of SBSFI Dr. Mahesh Tripathi.

The World Health Organisation announced the theme for this year’s mental health day as “Mental Health at Work,” highlighting the importance of safe, healthy working environments as a protective factor for mental health. With a view to promote the same, SBSFI led Manotsav to a monumental beginning with an enlightening session of Vipassana under the guidance of Acharya Shri Indravardhan Shah Ji.

‘Vipassana’ essentially entails ‘seeing things as they are’ or ‘insight’. It is an ancient Indian meditation practice that involves focusing on the interaction and connection between the mind and body through physical sensations. Vipassana and psychology go hand in hand, especially in understanding the intricacies of the mind. While they may differ in their methods, their ultimate goal of achieving mental well-being is the same.

The chief guest, Acharya Shri Indravardhan Shah Ji, has been completely devoted towards human & social welfare through Vipassana since 2003 after he retired from the position of Assistant Manager in the Reserve Bank of India. However, he completed his first course in Vipassana in 1991 under the guidance of Shri Kashiram Choudhary Ji in Ahmedabad and became an Acharya in the year 1997.

He enlightened the students and guests with his experience and knowledge in Vipassana through a guided meditation session called ‘Ānāpāna’ that focused on the sensation of breathing and monitoring each inhale and exhale, for 10 minutes. He also illuminated the importance of Vipassana in daily life, as it is useful in coping with stress and anxieties, and dealing with negative thoughts.

AP/GP/JD

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