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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JUNE 06, 2024 | The Indian Eye 22

GOPIO-CT Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month

OUR BUREAU of providing support and access to
mental health services.
New York, NY
The panel discussion generated
he Global Organization of insightful questions from the partici-
People of Indian Origin - Con- pants, and the Q&A session provided
Tnecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) valuable takeaways for parents and
hosted a highly engaging virtual participants. It was evident that more
seminar to celebrate Mental Health panels and community conversations
Awareness Month. are needed to increase awareness
Dr Thomas Abraham, Chairman of mental health in South Asian and
of GOPIO International and Trustee Indian communities. GOPIO CT
of GOPIO-CT started the seminar has a strong platform to offer health
with introducing GOPIO and its chap- and wellness-related seminars for the
ter in Connecticut with all its activities community.
and how one can participate. He then Over the last 18 years, GO-
introduced GOPIO CT President PIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO Inter-
Jaya Daptardar, who was the driving national has become an active and
force behind organizing a wellness in CT, and Mini Santosh, an Early not specific to any particular race, dynamic organization hosting inter-
seminar and panel discussion on May Childhood Director with Community ethnicity, or gender. She emphasized active sessions with policy makers
30th, 2024, via Zoom. The event was Action Agency of Western CT. the importance of identifying early and academicians, community events,
well received by the attendees. At the seminar, Dr. Mohini em- signs of behavioral changes and chal- youth mentoring and networking
The seminar focused on the phasized that no community is im- lenges and starting conversations to workshops, and working with other
theme of “Embracing Wellness and mune to mental health issues and seek help. She also discussed various area organizations to help create a
Cultivating Mental Health Aware- stressed the importance of open con- therapies and treatments available, better future. GOPIO-CT – Global
ness” and featured an impressive and versations about mental health. She as well as simple prevention and well- Organization of People of Indian Ori-
diverse panel of speakers. The pan- also highlighted the lack of adequate ness methods such as breathing tech- gin – serves as a non-partisan, secular,
elists included Dr. Mohini Rangana- awareness and conversation about niques, meditation, and yoga. civic and community service organiza-
than, an associate professor of Psychi- mental health in the South Asian Mini Santosh, an educator in ear- tion – promoting awareness of Indian
atry at Yale School of Medicine and American community, while also not- ly childhood education, spoke about culture, customs and contributions of
a practicing psychiatrist for 20 years, ing an eagerness to learn about it. the need for more attention to mental people of Indian origin through com-
and Dr. Jaya Daptardar, an Ayurve- “It is important not to be shy health, especially after the pandemic. munity programs, forums, events and
dic Doctor with 25 years of experience about discussing behavioral health is- She highlighted the stigma surround- youth activities. It seeks to strengthen
who also serves as the Chief Compli- sues,” Dr. Jaya Daptardar underlined ing mental health in Indian communi- partnerships and create an ongoing
ance Officer for Bridges Healthcare that behavioral health challenges are ties and emphasized the importance dialogue with local communities.

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