Bhubaneswar: To raise awareness about mental health and break the societal stigma surrounding it, Odisha’s Health and Family Welfare Department screened two National Award-winning films, Kaasav and Nital, at the Krishi Bhawan auditorium. The screenings aimed to encourage empathy and support for those dealing with mental health challenges and to promote greater understanding of related health issues.
Padma Dr. Mohan Agashe, a renowned psychiatrist and actor, inaugurated the event, highlighting the deep connection between the body and mind. “The human body is like an instrument, and the mind is the music it creates. Cinema, as a powerful medium, allows complex emotions and thoughts to be conveyed in ways that words alone cannot,” Dr. Agashe stated.
Dr. Agashe also emphasized how films like Kaasav and Nital carry important social messages that should reach wider audiences for the benefit of society. Aswathy S., Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, noted that these films could play a crucial role in building a more inclusive and understanding community for those facing mental health and other health challenges.
The first film, Kaasav (Turtle), uses the life cycle of turtles to symbolically address the topic of depression. It portrays the sense of isolation that many people experience in modern society and suggests that observing nature’s resilience can offer insights and healing. The turtle, an endangered species, represents the importance of self-preservation and renewal, drawing a parallel to the journey of overcoming loneliness and depression.
The second film, Nital, tells the story of a person living with leucoderma, a skin condition where the loss of epidermal melanin results in visible white patches on the skin. Leucoderma, while non-contagious, often subjects individuals to prejudice and social stigma due to a lack of awareness. The film highlights how love, acceptance, and family support can empower those affected to live fulfilling lives.
The event saw attendance from a wide array of stakeholders, including Managing Director of OSMCL Dr. Brunda D, Director of Public Health Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, Director of Family Welfare Dr. Sanjukta Sahoo, Special Secretary (PH) Dr. Jeetendra Mohan Bebortha, Clinical Psychologist Anushree Thakar, along with senior officers, doctors, nurses, students, and NGO representatives.
Panel discussions followed each film, featuring expert insights from Dr. Agashe; Prof. Dr. Nila Madhaba Ratha, former Director of MHI, SCBMC&H; Dr. Uma Prasad Biswal, Psychiatrist, CH, BBSR; Dr. Jayanta Kumar Panda, Department of Medicine, SCBMC&H; and Dr. Rajendra Panigrahy, Senior Consultant in Skin and VD.
This initiative by the Health and Family Welfare Department exemplifies the government’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for mental health and reducing the stigma associated with it. Through such events, Odisha continues to champion mental health awareness and compassion for individuals facing physical and mental health challenges, creating pathways to a more inclusive and understanding society.