The inauguration of the KCG Tech Wellness Club, titled “Waves of Bliss”, took place on 3rd August 2024 at the Mirza Auditorium. The event, aimed at promoting physical and mental wellness among students, was graced by Dr. Lakshmi Vijayakumar, a leading psychiatrist and founder of SNEHA, known for her extensive work in mental health. Her presence added depth and value to the occasion.
The program began with a soulful invocation song performed by the college choir, setting a calm and reflective atmosphere. Following this, the ceremonial Kuthu Vilakku was lit by dignitaries, including the Principal, the Head Student Affairs, Student Counsellor, the chief guest, Dr. Lakshmi Vijayakumar, and a student from the audience. This traditional ritual, symbolizing the spreading of light and knowledge, highlighted the inclusivity of the ceremony by involving a student.
In his address, the Dr M Muthukannan, Principal emphasized the increasing importance of mental health, especially in today’s competitive world. He spoke about how institutions play a crucial role in creating supportive environments that promote mental well-being. He highlighted that mental health is as important as physical health and expressed the hope that the Wellness Club would serve as a platform for students to seek support and guidance.
Following this, the Dr Jaya Head SA, introduced Dr. Lakshmi Vijayakumar, highlighting her vast contributions to psychiatry and mental wellness. A memento and a bouquet were presented to the chief guest as a gesture of honour. Ms Revathy Student Counsellor introduced the office bearers of the club, Abdul Ghaffar Shakir – President, Nulin Geriba J – Vice President, Roshan U – Secretary, & Simrithi S – Treasurer, who are responsible for organizing the various activities of the club.
Dr. Lakshmi Vijayakumar, during her address, delved into the growing pressure on students in the digital age, particularly highlighting the negative impact of mobile phone usage. She pointed out how many students are getting caught up in a race to go viral on social media, often chasing fleeting popularity rather than focusing on long-term goals. Drawing from her expertise, she spoke about the distractions and mental health challenges this phenomenon poses, urging students to prioritize their mental well-being over the need to be constantly connected online.
Additionally, Dr. Lakshmi Vijayakumar discussed her extensive research on the impact of academic failures on students’ mental health. She shared her advocacy for offering re-tests within a shorter period, specifically within four months, for students who fail their board or public exams. She emphasized that this prompt opportunity allows students to recover quickly from failure and re-enter their academic journeys without prolonged distress. Her talk also included advice on how to handle failures and rejections in general, encouraging students to view setbacks as stepping stones rather than obstacles. With her educational background, she provided strategies for building resilience, including self-compassion, mindfulness, and seeking professional help when needed.
The President of the Wellness Club presented a detailed slideshow outlining the club’s planned activities. These include group and individual counselling sessions, mental health awareness events, and meditation and physical exercise sessions. The club also aims to educate members about human psychology, recent behavioral changes, and space studies to offer perspective on the universe.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms Revathy, followed by the national anthem. The event marked the beginning of a new initiative dedicated to fostering mental wellness within the college community.
