AIIMS Hosts India's Largest Mental Health Festival

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, AIIMS Delhi was the venue for India’s largest Mental Health Festival, organised by the Mental Health Foundation India (MHFI). With over 1,000 attendees from across the nation, the event brought together mental health professionals, organisations, and thought leaders to address the growing need for mental health support, particularly in the workplace.

Running from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the JLN Auditorium, this 11th edition of the festival carried the theme “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace,” underscoring the critical role of mental well-being in professional environments.

The festival was headlined by renowned speaker Dr. Deepak Chopra, Founder of The Chopra Foundation and Chopra Global. Known for his expertise in integrative medicine, Dr. Chopra delivered a keynote address that captivated the audience with his insights on integrating mindfulness, stress management, and wellness into workplace practices.

In discussing the relationship between AI and mental health, Dr. Chopra emphasised the importance of ancient practices like yoga in managing the autonomic nervous system. He stated, “The fundamental reasoning behind yoga is how to use breath to regulate your autonomic nervous system. We have two branches of this system—sympathetic and parasympathetic. Yoga interventions help regulate the parasympathetic system, fostering self-regulation and healing.” Dr. Chopra linked these ancient practices to modern challenges, noting that blending this wisdom with AI could address global issues like mental illness, climate change, and social injustice. He concluded by stating, “We need to integrate this wisdom with what we know about technology to spark the next evolution of humanity.”

The event hosted several insightful panel discussions throughout the day, covering critical topics related to mental health and its intersection with technology:

1. AI and Mental Health: Possibilities and Challenges – Experts explored AI's potential in transforming mental health care while addressing its ethical and practical challenges. Dr. Chopra further elaborated on how AI, combined with the principles of yoga, could lead to significant advancements in mental health practices.

2. Mental Health in Startups – This session addressed the unique mental health challenges faced by entrepreneurs in high-pressure environments.

Experts discussed the role of organisational support in promoting well-being within startups.

3. Youth Panel: Preparing a Resilient Workforce – Focusing on the younger generation, this panel explored how educational institutions can build resilience among students, better preparing them for mental health challenges in the workforce.

Poonacha Machaiah, CEO of The Chopra Foundation, another prominent speaker at the festival, spoke about substance abuse, lack of purpose, anxiety, and trust issues or withdrawal. Machaiah explained that mental health issues often stem from our inability to stay present and AI can play a critical role in detecting early signs of these issues.

“AI can be a companion, monitoring emotions and behaviours to predict risks such as suicidal ideation,” Machaiah stated. He emphasised that digital psychiatric tools, already approved in the U.S., could soon be integrated into platforms like WhatsApp in India, making mental health support more accessible. “AI would process data rapidly, allowing professionals to focus on building meaningful connections while AI handles early detection,” he added.

Supporting this, another expert explained the historical journey of AI in healthcare, stating, “AI’s journey in healthcare began with predicting drug efficacy. Early work by John Baufield and Hinton helped activate AI models, and while AI progressed in other healthcare areas, mental health lagged behind due to its reliance on qualitative data.” With recent advancements in AI language models and digital therapeutics, experts agreed that AI is now ready to revolutionise mental health care, potentially transforming access to quality services in India.

The festival wasn’t just limited to discussions; it also featured a range of creative and interactive activities aimed at promoting mental health awareness:

· Nukkad Natak by Sukhmanch Theatre – This street play delivered a powerful message about mental health, engaging the audience in a thought-provoking performance.

· Poetry by Slam Out Loud – Poets shared deeply emotional verses, highlighting the internal struggles many people face, resonating with attendees.

· Art-Based Activities and Dance Movement led by Tripura Kashyap – Participants were encouraged to express themselves through art and movement, known to alleviate stress and foster emotional well-being.

· Musical Evening – The day concluded with a musical evening, creating a sense of unity and relaxation among participants. The Urban Hopper Crew performed an energetic dance, leaving the audience motivated and inspired.

Awards and Recognition

In recognition of the tireless efforts of mental health advocates, the MuktaKshar Award was presented to exceptional volunteers who have contributed to spreading awareness about mental health issues across India. The event also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of professionals and organisations working towards a mentally healthier society.

As the Mental Health Festival 2024 drew to a close, organisers expressed their deep gratitude to the participants, partners, and volunteers who made the event a success. The festival not only emphasised the importance of mental health in the workplace but also left attendees with practical solutions for improving mental well-being. The message was clear: integrating AI with ancient wisdom and modern practices can revolutionise mental health care, paving the way for a healthier, more balanced future.