“There is no health without mental health.” – David Satcher, former U.S. Surgeon General
Globally, one in every eight people lives with a mental health condition. Stress, anxiety, and depression have become the silent epidemic of our century. The leading causes are increasing pressures from academics, careers, relationships, and digital overload – pressures that have made these concerns more prevalent than ever, especially among students, professionals, homemakers, and even those serving in the armed forces. While physical health often receives timely attention, mental well-being remains under-discussed and misunderstood.
Recognising this growing need, DJJS Aarogya launched the Manobalam Campaign – Manobalam: Your Mental Health Matters, More Than You Think – in 2024. It is an initiative dedicated to promoting and prioritizing mental health, designed to help individuals understand the mind more deeply and strengthen emotional resilience. Manobalam is run by DJJS Aarogya, the holistic health program of DJJS, and typically takes place over three months (November–January). However, the 2025–26 edition expanded from November 2025 to March 2026, covering 53 events.
In 2025–26, Manobalam marked a major leap beyond its 2024–25 edition. While the earlier phase laid a solid foundation for mental health awareness, the latest campaign achieved a clear and measurable leap in scale, structure, and societal impact.
With more structured programs, deeper engagement formats, stronger expert involvement, and richer activities, Manobalam evolved from an awareness initiative into a results-driven movement. There was a significant rise in participants – from 3,897 to 14,245 – along with a broader geographic reach.
Campaign Outreach: Manobalam reached people across diverse platforms, including:
- Schools and colleges
- Corporate offices and community centers
- Spiritual gatherings
- Army camps and many more
By engaging participants from varied backgrounds and age groups, the campaign successfully addressed mental health across the entire life spectrum. Above all, it served as a powerful reminder that mental health is not just important – it is truly essential.
To strengthen its credibility, the campaign invited psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors as guest experts. Their presence provided:
- Scientific insights into mental health
- Practical coping strategies for everyday challenges
- A deeper understanding of issues like stress and depression
Media Coverage further amplified the campaign’s message, helping it reaches a wider audience and encouraging more people to prioritize mental well-being.
Manobalam stood out for its highly interactive and experiential approach. Some highlights included innovative activities like the Balloon and Spectacles exercises, which simplified complex concepts such as stress, depression, and altered perception, while sessions on the mind–body connection, nutrition, and thought patterns deepened understanding. Quizzes, self-assessments, wellness practices, and real-life testimonials created safe spaces for self-reflection, developing empathy, and learning practical techniques to build resilience and mental balance.
Impact
The initiative translated awareness into measurable action, achieving:
- 53 structured programs conducted across multiple platforms
- 14,245 beneficiaries positively impacted
- 16 thoughtfully designed activities addressing different dimensions of mental well-being
- 836 dedicated volunteers contributing time, energy, and compassion
- 2 collaborative partnerships strengthening outreach and credibility
Manobalam stands as a reminder that mental health truly matters – more than we often realise. Nurturing the mind is an essential step toward a balanced, fulfilling life.
