JAMMU: In a significant event commemorating “World Mental Health Day, 2024”, the J&K Legal Services Authority in collaboration with the Department of Law, University of Jammu, organized an awareness programme on the Importance of Mental Health in Professional Efficiency at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu.
Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority, Justice Tashi Rabstan, presided over the event which was attended by nearly 700 law students, faculty members and legal professionals.
The Chief Justice, who was accompanied by M. K. Sharma, Principal Secretary and Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, was warmly received by Prof. Meena Sharma, Officiating Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Planning, University of Jammu, Prof. (Dr.) Manju Jamwal, Head, Department of Law, University of Jammu, along with other esteemed HoDs and faculty members.
Addressing a large gathering of law students and faculty members of law department and School of Law, the Chief Justice appreciated the eminent resource persons for their collective efforts in promoting mental well-being within the legal fraternity. He emphasized that maintaining good mental health is not only a personal responsibility but also a professional necessity, particularly in high-pressure fields like law and the judiciary.
Highlighting the importance of self-care in preventing burnout and ensuring long-term well-being, the Chief Justice remarked “The mantra for healthy mental health is to spare time for yourself,”. He cautioned about the potential dangers of technology, stating that while it offers immense benefits, its misuse can be detrimental to mental health. Furthermore, he drew attention to the adverse effects of poor lifestyle choices, such as consuming junk food and inadequate sleep, which contribute to rise in mental disorders.
“Effective time management is key to avoiding stress and leading a healthier life, especially for judges and advocates who often have to work on weekends and holidays also,” maintained the Chief Justice.
The Chief Justice called for a supportive work environment where open dialogue and mental health resources are readily available, enabling professionals to perform at their best while breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues. He concluded by encouraging all the participants to engage in creative and physical activities as a means to refresh their minds and promote overall well-being.
In her welcome address, Prof. (Dr.) Manju Jamwal, Head, Department of Law, University of Jammu, highlighted the collaborative efforts between the University of Jammu and J&K Legal Services Authority in organizing today’s programme which in the present scenario is of immense importance, especially for the younger generation.
Prof. (Dr.) Meena Sharma, Officiating Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Planning, University of Jammu, laid emphases on the role of mental well-being in both academic and professional success. She explained how maintaining a balanced mental state enhances cognitive abilities and contributes to sustained professional growth and resilience. She encouraged educational institutions to incorporate mental health support systems into their frameworks to foster a thriving academic environment and build resilience among students and professionals.
Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Gupta, Department of Law, University of Jammu tracing the legal history of mental inadequacy of a litigant referred to various legislations, especially the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 and pointed out the shortcomings therein. He highlighted the need to provide legal aid and assistance not only to the litigants but also to the students and working professionals.
He advocated for counselling and stress management workshops to overcome the menace of growing mental ill health in the young generation which ends up going astray due to mental stress levels. He highlighted the need for creating a culture of mental well-being within legal education institutions, where students are equipped with the tools to manage stress effectively. Prof. Sanjay also pointed out that the increased tendency of nuclear families is also a big cause for mental ill health.
Dr. Manu Arora, Head, Psychiatry Department, Govt. Medical College Jammu, presented an insightful overview of the mental health challenges faced by professionals in high-stakes fields like law. He highlighted common mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion, all of which negatively impact productivity and decision-making. Dr. Arora stressed the importance of early intervention and continuous support, recommending regular mental health check-ups and access to mental health resources in the workplace.
Dr. Rakesh Banal, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry, Govt. Medical College, Jammu focused on practical strategies for managing mental health. He introduced techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and cognitive-behavioural strategies that can help professionals maintain emotional balance. He emphasized the importance of self-care and work-life balance, warning of the detrimental effects of neglecting personal well-being on both professional and personal lives.
The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Smriti Sharma, Secretary, DLSA Jammu, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished dignitaries, faculty, and students for their participation. The proceedings were expertly conducted by Prof. (Dr.) Hardeep Kour.
Those who attended the programme included Y. P. Bourney, PDJ (Chairman DLSA), Jammu, Prof. (Dr.) Satinder Kumar, Dean, Prof. (Dr.) Arvind Jasrotia, Senior Professor, Basim Akhter, Legal Assistant, Anil Sharma, Chief LADC Jammu, other faculty members from the Department of Law, KC Law College, Dogra Law College and MIET Law College and the staff of J&K Legal Services Authority and DLSA Jammu.