Srinagar, Sep 30: As part of ongoing mental health series towards promoting mental health awareness and emotional well-being among students, employees and the wider university community, the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports (DPE&S) University of Kashmir ( KU) organised a special session on mental health in collaboration with the Art of Living Foundation on Wednesday.

The session was held in the Committee Room of the Administrative Block and was presided over by State Election Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Shantmanu, IAS(Retd).
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shantmanu, highlighted the importance of mental well-being in leading a balanced and productive life.
He underlined the close relationship between mental happiness, emotional stability and productivity and shared his personal experience of participating in mental health and wellness sessions conducted by the Art of Living Foundation.
He said that such practices had positively influenced his personal life as well as his professional functioning.
Registrar KU Prof. Naseer Iqbal said that the University of Kashmir remains at the forefront of initiatives aimed at promoting the mental and emotional well-being of its students and employees.
He emphasised the need for greater awareness about mental health and urged employees to actively participate in such programmes and encourage others to incorporate healthy mental wellness practices into their daily lives.
Director, Directorate of Physical Education and Sports KU Prof. Raies Ahmad Qadri, highlighted the important role of educational institutions in creating awareness about mental health and encouraging a healthy, supportive and positive environment.
He said that mental well-being is an integral component of overall health and that universities have an important responsibility in sensitising their communities towards its significance.
During the session, resource persons from the Art of Living Foundation engaged the participants in interactive mental health and wellness activities.
They elaborated on practical approaches to improve mental well-being and demonstrated breathing and relaxation techniques aimed at promoting calmness, emotional balance and mental wellness.
The session was attended by faculty from the School of Education and Behavioural Sciences KU and officers from the University.
The proceedings of the session were conducted by Assistant Director, DPE&S, Dr. Nadeem Ahmad Dar.