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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JUNE 30, 2023 | The Indian Eye 22

GOPIO-CT Oraganizes Panel

Discussion on Behavioral Health, Stigma,

Wellness And Prevention

OUR BUREAU

Connecticut, CT
ental health, in status quo
Indian culture, is replete
Mwith negative stereotypes
that easily diminishes one’s under-
standing of their wellbeing. Last
month, Global Organization Peo-
ple of Indian Origin – Connecticut
Chapter (GOPIO-CT) organized a
Zoom session on Behavioral Health,
Stigma, Wellness, and Prevention.
Panelist included Dr. Mohini Ran-
ganathan, Yale University School
of Medicine Staff Psychiatrist; Mini
Santosh, Masters in Education and
Child Study Early Childhood Direc-
tor; Dr. Jaya Daptardar, Ayurvedic
Doctor Chief Compliance Officer
Bridges Healthcare; and Mayor’s
Youth Leadership Council members, strengthen partnerships and create
Meher Jain, Stamford High School an ongoing dialogue with local com-
Activist (sophomore); Roshan Ja- munities.
gannathan, Academy of Information ---
Technology and Engineering Activist
(senior); and Roshith Jagannathan,
Academy of Information Technology
and Engineering Activist (senior).
During the virtual meeting,
guests discussed the prevalence of necessity to voice one’s thoughts.
stigma in everyday households in or- The program was put together
der to eliminate misinformation and by GOPIO-CT President Dr. Dap-
highlight what every child wants— tardar with support from Board
compassion and a nonjudgemental Members Anita Mathur and Ashvi-
listener during his or her struggles. ni Persaud, GOPIO Chairman Dr.
Each presenter spoke about their Thomas Abraham complimented
expertise and knowledge surround- GOPIO-CT as most active chapter
ing mental health. The panelists said of GOPIO International.
that they had realized that having free Over the last 17 years, GO-
space to discuss setbacks, and recom- PIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO In-
mendations to better understand the ternational has become an active
topics of wellness and prevention was and dynamic organization hosting
done solely by seeking vulnerability. interactive sessions with policy mak-
In addition to Mrs. Sanotsh and Dr. ers and academicians, community
Daptardar, Dr. Ranganathan noted events, youth mentoring and net-
that “We have to remove the labels working workshops, and working
that are instilled in the Indian culture with other area organizations to help
to seek the light that is found through create a better future. GOPIO-CT
communication.” – Global Organization of People of
By inviting high school activists Indian Origin – serves as a non-par-
from the Mayor’s Youth Leadership tisan, secular, civic and community
Council, GOPIO-CT was able to bet- service organization – promoting
ter understand their objectives and awareness of Indian culture, customs
opinions behind mental health. Their and contributions of PIOs through
presentation, highlighted the prob- community programs, forums, events
lems of burdening one’s pain and the and youth activities. It seeks to

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