The Grand Inauguration of Noni Johar 2.0: A Confluence of Hope and Enthusiasm- An engaging panel discussion held on World Mental Health Day.- Youth filled their hopes in green leaves through letters, igniting their enthusiasm.

Raipur, October 10, 2023 / In collaboration with UNICEF, the Department of Public Relations Chhattisgarh, We The People, Alliance for Behavior Change,CG Agricon Samiti and My FM jointly inaugurated the two-day Noni Johar 2.0 program in the city’s Sayaji Hotel to mark International Day of the Girl Child.

Shri Saumil Choubey, Director, Public Relations, Government of Chhattisgarh, UNICEF’s SBC Specialist Abhishek Singh, & Child Protection Specialist Chetna Desai, Manjeet Kaul Bal a social worker with others lit the inaugral lamp.On the first day of the program, addressing world Mental health day Director Public Relations Chhattisgarh addressing youth across the state said that ‘mental health cannot be quantified and is not easy to identify.

It is important to start more dialogue to bring in awareness to break the stigma on mental health.’UNICEF’s Child Protection Specialist Chetna Desai stated that ‘COVID made us realise how intense mental health is, and every social issue is one way or the other results to mental health.’Addressing this occasion, UNICEF’s SBC Specialist Abhishek Singh mentioned that this is a golden opportunity to appreciate and inspire the notable work of youth related to mental health and other behaviors. Introducing the program, Ramesh Kumar, Manager of Chhattisgarh – We The People, mentioned that the aim of Noni Johar 2.0 is to promote dialogue on mental health, identify upcoming challenges, explore success stories of resilient individuals, and encourage self-care efforts.On this occasion, a motivating street play titled “Adolescence – The Gateway to New Opportunities” was presented by volunteers from NYKS.A panel discussion on “Youth Engagement with Mental Health in Youth India” was conducted to understand and develop the concept of mental health in adolescents and young adults. Shedding light on the significance of mental health in youth the where Manas Banerjee secretary CG Agricon Samiti moderated the panel. One of the panalist Danish K Hussain mentioned that ‘ Be it rural or urban we observe issues regarding mental health. On the ground while bringing awareness there have been many challenges like language, men and women not opening up etc.’The program reached its peak of enthusiasm and excitement when the young audience met Ms. Vibhuti who encouraged and stressed on the importance of emotional release with her activity ‘ Letters of Hopes’.The event concluded with Manjul Bharadwaj a theatre artist whose session was captivating with his activity “Story Beginning,” . Tomorrow the event will start with Shri. Manjul Bharadwaj finishing his session through “Let’s Finish the Story Together.