Convener News Desk
Bandipora, October 10: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Bandipora on Friday organized a legal awareness programme on World Mental Health Day at Army Goodwill School, Bandipora.
In a statement issued to Kashmir Convener an official spokesperson said the event was organized in collaboration with the Health Department Bandipora and under the leadership of Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Justice Arun Palli who is also patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority) and Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority Justice Sanjeev Kumar.
He said the event was conducted under the guidance of Shazia Tabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, and Khalil Ahmad Choudhary, Chairman DLSA (Principal District & Sessions Judge) Bandipora, and coordinated by Sheikh Babar Hussain, Secretary, DLSA Bandipora.
Official spokesperson said this year’s global theme — “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right” — guided the discussions, emphasizing that mental health care is a fundamental right for every individual.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from legal experts, mental health professionals, educators, students, and members of the community. It aimed to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and empower citizens with knowledge of their mental health rights and available legal and medical support systems.
Deputy LADC, DLSA Bandipora, Advocate Iqbal Rubbani Bhat, delivered the keynote address on the legal dimensions of mental health, outlining the legal framework that protects the rights of individuals with mental illness. He urged the public to be aware of their right to access mental health care without discrimination.
Assistant LADC, DLSA Bandipora, Advocate Abid Hussain Malla spoke on the role of the legal system in promoting mental well-being, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, women, and persons with disabilities. He also discussed the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 and its role in ensuring dignity and autonomy for individuals with mental health conditions.
Clinical Psychologist, District Hospital Bandipora, Bilal Ahmad provided an expert session on identifying early signs of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress. He underscored the importance of seeking professional help and normalizing conversations about mental health in society.
Principal, Army Goodwill School Bandipora, Shabnum Kounsar highlighted the role of educational institutions in promoting mental health among students. She discussed the growing psychological challenges faced by youth and called for more structured mental health programs in schools.
Speakers unanimously emphasized that mental health is not a privilege but a universal right and that collective efforts are needed to make mental health care accessible, affordable, and stigma-free.
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