NOIDA, October 10, 2025: Mental health is central to individual and community well-being, shaping how people think, feel, and connect. Behind confident smiles and busy routines, many silently carry emotional burdens that often go unnoticed. Recognizing the need for empathy and conversation, Manas Clinics, a pioneer in compassionate mental health care, brought the community together to mark World Mental Health Day with an evening of art, laughter, and dialogue at the Arun Vihar Community Centre, Noida.
The highlight was the moving solo performance Khushi = Solved!” by mathematician-turned-actor-director Shalini Kapur, who has over 75 plays to her credit. Drawing from her 25-year personal journey with depression, Kapur transformed life’s lowest moments into laughter, hope, and a celebration of everyday joys. Inspired by Every Brilliant Thing but tailored for Indian audiences, the play asked: What if fighting depression felt like your first train journey, smelled like maa ke haath ka khana, and made you laugh until you cried? Blending theatre and therapy, the performance delivered full-on emotional impact without preaching.
Ms. Monica Kumar, Senior Clinical Psychologist at Manas, said:
“Theatre can reach people in ways therapy alone cannot. Shalini’s performance beautifully translated the lived experience of depression into something the community could feel, laugh with, and relate to. It reminded us that mental health belongs in everyday conversations.”
The evening was further enriched by Air Marshal Dr. Padma Bandopadhyay (PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Padma Shri), India’s first woman Air Marshal, who launched the “Healthy & Happy Ageing” support group. This initiative provides retired Armed Forces personnel and civilians guidance, companionship, and resources to navigate the challenges of aging with resilience and dignity.
Dr. Amiya Banerjee, Senior Psychiatrist at Manas, commented:
“Ageing brings unique mental health challenges—loneliness, memory decline, and loss of role identity. Under Dr. Padma’s leadership, this support group offers seniors not just clinical care but also the warmth of community and shared purpose.”
Manas Clinics also reaffirmed its commitment to elderly care through its Cognitive Wellness Program at the Noida Centre, helping seniors manage memory, mood, and social challenges while fostering engagement and support.
With three centres across Delhi, Greater Noida, and Noida, Manas Clinics continues to make mental health services accessible through psychiatric consultations, psychotherapy, psychological assessments, wellness programs, and community initiatives like this event.
The evening marked not only a celebration of World Mental Health Day but also a powerful reminder: healing begins with connection through community, art, and conversation.