NEW DELHI – As the world prepares to mark World Mental Health Day 2026, a high-level summit held in the national capital has issued a clarion call for a radical shift in how society approaches mental wellness. The ‘Illness to Wellness’ Conference, themed “Mind Matters: Nurturing & Strengthening Mental Health and Wellness,” brought together policymakers, medical experts, and community leaders to advocate for a transition from reactive clinical care to proactive, community-based support systems.
The event, organized by the Illness to Wellness Foundation, underscored that mental health is a public health priority requiring active participation from families, educational institutions, and corporate sectors. Speakers emphasized that while medical treatment remains essential, it is insufficient without a societal framework that prioritizes early intervention and stigma reduction.
Prof. (Dr.) Rajinder K. Dhamija, Director of the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), stressed the urgent need to dismantle the barriers of shame that prevent individuals from seeking help. “Mental health cannot be addressed only through clinical and curative medicine; prevention and wellness are equally important,” Dr. Dhamija stated. He argued that institutional policy frameworks must be bolstered by genuine community involvement to foster an environment where reaching out for professional help is normalized.
Addressing the challenge of accessibility, Mr. Rajesh Bhushan, former Secretary of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, highlighted the geographical disparity in care. “India does not reside only in metropolitan cities,” he noted, calling for the expansion of mental health services into tier-2, tier-3, and rural regions. He pointed to government initiatives like Tele-MANAS and the strategic involvement of grassroots health workers—such as ASHA and ANM workers—as essential tools for early identification and referral in underserved areas.
The conference also tackled the growing burden of burnout and anxiety in modern professional and academic settings. Experts from Accenture, Genpact, and Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies discussed the necessity of “psychologically safe” workplaces. They advocated for structural changes, such as improved work-life balance and the management of digital stress, to combat the rising tide of emotional exhaustion.
Beyond clinical and professional environments, the summit explored the role of holistic lifestyle choices. Padma Shri Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Bagai highlighted the mind-body connection, urging participants to view mental health as an integral part of physical health, supported by proper nutrition, sleep, and physical activity. This holistic approach was further echoed by spiritual leaders; Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Shree Swami Balkanand Giri Ji Maharaj emphasized that cultivating self-awareness and inner discipline is fundamental to maintaining mental equilibrium amid life’s challenges.
Closing the conference, Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairperson of the Advisory Council of the Illness to Wellness Foundation, reminded attendees that the path to wellness often begins with a simple act of empathy. “Sometimes, prevention begins with something as simple as a conversation—someone asking, ‘Are you alright?’ and being willing to listen without judgement,” he said. The event concluded with a unified commitment to transform mental health awareness into a sustained, community-driven movement.
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