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Manipal Hospital EM Bypass Marks World Mental Health Day Highlighting Elderly Care

Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, commemorates World Mental Health Day with a focus on elderly emotional care and connection

Mumbai / Kolkata, 11th October 2025: On World Mental Health Day, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, conducted a thought-provoking panel discussion on emotional well-being, inner peace, and meaningful connection for the elderly community. The interactive session was moderated by Dr. Kunal Sarkar, Director – Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur Cluster and Ms. Sohini Saha, Consultant- Psychologist, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, in the presence of other eminent doctors like Dr. Abir Mukherjee, Consultant  Psychiatry, Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur; Dr. Arijit Dutta Chowdhury, Consultant  Psychiatry, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass and Dr. Anuttama Banerjee, Consultant- Psychologist, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass. The session was designed to highlight the emotional and psychological struggles of elderly citizens in the contemporary, fast-paced world and to foster dialogue around developing empathy, mindfulness, and social connection in later life.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abir Mukherjee shared, “With improved healthcare and a longer life expectancy, India is witnessing a growing elderly population, a positive sign of progress, yet one that brings with it newer challenges. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment, dementia are highly prevalent among the elderly, often intensified by social isolation, stigma, nuclear family structures and economic dependence. Lack of awareness and timely intervention further worsens the situation. Additionally, there is a dearth of professional support, failure to adequately address care giver’s burden. It is essential that we, as a society, work collectively to create an environment of empathy, early recognition, and support so that our elderly can age with emotional well-being, dignity, and purpose.”

While talking about mental health awareness, Dr. Arijit Dutta Chowdhury stated, “With the advancement of medical science, human life expectancy has increased significantly, leading to a growing number of people in the geriatric age group. However, this also brings with it a rise in age-related mental health challenges such as dementia, depression, and anxiety. Early diagnosis and timely intervention through appropriate medication and psychotherapy, wherever necessary, play a crucial role in improving the quality of life and emotional well-being of elderly individuals.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Anuttama Banerjee opined, “Old age is not an illness but an inevitable phase of life, unique to everyone. As caregivers, our role is to create a supportive environment that helps older people embrace this transition with confidence and dignity. Health challenges should be addressed with sensitivity, without over pathologizing or infantilizing them.”

Moderator for the interactive session, Ms. Sohini Saha, stated, “Mental health is a universal right, and we must ensure that our elderly not only receive care and support but also the dignity and emotional well-being they truly deserve. Conversations around mental health should move beyond stigma and silence to empathy and understanding. It is important that families, caregivers, and communities work together to create a safe space where emotional struggles are acknowledged and addressed. True wellness comes not only from physical health but from a balanced state of mind, where one feels valued, heard, and connected.”

24th LalitArpan Festival Showcases Stories of Strength, Spirit & Survival in Delhi

The Annual “LalitArpan Festival” (24th edition) Showcased Stories of Strength, Spirit, and Survival in Delhi

India, 10th october 2025: The Annual LalitArpan Festival (24th edition), held on October 8 and 9, 2025, at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, left audiences deeply moved and inspired by its powerful theme  “Antah-Shakti: Courage and Hope.” This year, it presented a fascinating fusion of solo and group dance dramas that illuminated real-life stories of strength and inner transformation through the language of Kathak.

The opening evening, October 8, featured “Agnipankh” by Shovana Narayan and Shruti Gupta Chandra, portraying the inspiring lives of real-life stories of three brave, young, and courageous persons- an autistic pianist, a transgender and an acid victim survivor – all of whom are working in the hospitality industry.  The performance was followed by “Kathak” by Nrityashree Alaknanda, a cancer survivor whose expressive movements graced the stage in a solo performance, reflecting the power of the human spirit.

On October 9, “Parkaya” by Akshobhya Bhardwaj from Mumbai presented a deeply personal and artistic Kathak journey that transcends physical limitations and embraces inner transformation through Kathak, while “Rashmirathi” presented by Asavari, Ensemble and choreographed by Guru Shovana Narayan, brought to life the story of Karna, the bold young warrior of the Mahabharata who, despite being abandoned at birth and raised by a charioteer which made him an outcast, became a powerful warrior and remained steadfastly committed to his perceived duty, even in the face of moral dilemma.

The eminent guests who graced the event included Lt. Governor Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena & Smt. Sangita Saxena, Dr KG Suresh, Ms Preeti Aggarwal, Gayatri Prakash,Jyotsna Suri, Odissi Dancer Sharon Lowen, Sunit Tandon, Artist Naresh Kapuria, Ranjana Narayan, Actress Joyoshree Arora, Bharata Natyam Dancer Prathibha Prahlad, and K. Shiva Prasad.

The LalitArpan Festival, the brainchild of Kathak maestro Padmashri Guru Shovana Narayan, Dr. Jyotsna Suri, and the late Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan, one of the most eminent tabla players, was envisaged in 2002. It sowed the seeds to provide a platform to young artists as well as to foster confidence and make room in the realm of performing arts by making them participate along with reputed senior artists, which we have strived to do to the best of their ability. Alongside, we envisioned presenting the rasikas, various dimensions of the rich tapestry of classical performing arts through solo and group presentations, dance dramas and ensembles, and so on, to the aficionados. Organized by the dance institution Asavari and its volunteers, this festival has, till date, presented over 100 torchbearers of Indian classical performing arts. 

Paras Health Ranks 4th Nationwide at Times Network India Health Summit 2025

Gurugram, October 10, 2025: At the Times Network India Health Summit 2025, Paras Health has been ranked 4th nationwide in the Multi-Speciality Group of Hospitals category; a prestigious recognition that celebrates the group’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class medical care and putting patients first across all its hospitals in India. This milestone underscores Paras Health’s rapid and strategic growth, solidifying its standing as one of the most trusted healthcare providers in the country.

Recognized for its strategic expansion, patient-first approach, and focus on clinical excellence, Paras Health sets a benchmark in delivering world-class healthcare across North India. Established in 2006, the group has grown strategically, building a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem based on three core pillars—advanced medical technology, highly skilled clinical talent, and compassionate patient care. Its network spans Gurugram, Panchkula, Patna, Ranchi, Udaipur, Darbhanga, Kanpur, and Srinagar, bridging the urban–rural healthcare divide and bringing tertiary care to underserved regions.

Dr. Dharminder Nagar, Managing Director of Paras Health, commented on the achievement, “This recognition reflects our steadfast commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to all. It is an honour that belongs to every doctor, nurse, and staff member whose dedication drives our mission. At Paras Health, excellence is not just about infrastructure; it is about clinical expertise, compassionate care, and the trust of our patients. Being ranked among the top four hospital groups motivates us to further strengthen our vision of bridging healthcare gaps across India.”

Smt. Anupriya Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers, Government of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Her presence underscored the importance of advancing healthcare initiatives nationwide and highlighted the transformative potential of digital technologies in enhancing healthcare delivery across the country.

Mr. Vineet Aggarwal, Group COO, Paras Health, emphasized the operational rigor behind the group’s success and said, “Achieving this milestone is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork of our entire organization. Our strategy prioritizes clinical governance, operational efficiency, and continuous enhancement of the patient experience. This ranking reinforces our belief that a patient-first approach, combined with operational excellence, is the foundation for sustainable growth and trust.”

Paras Health views this recognition as a milestone, not a destination. The group remains committed to expanding its footprint, strengthening super-specialty departments, and investing in cutting-edge technologies and research, with a clear focus on delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare to all regions of India.