Workshop in Balurghat Highlights Adolescent Mental Health on International Mother Language Day

• Healing Through Expression

Kamal Kumar Biswas.TOD.Balurghat

A community initiative in Balurghat turned this year’s observance of International Mother Language Day into an opportunity to address a growing concern among young people: mental health.

The cultural group Barnali Mancha, through its program “Uttorer Robbar,” organized a special workshop focused on adolescent mental well-being and related challenges. The event, held Saturday afternoon at Baluchhaya Auditorium, was conducted with the support of Balurghat B.Ed. College, The Hope Welfare Society, and Ujjiban Society.

Students from several educational institutions attended the program, including about 70 trainees from the Balurghat Nursing Training School, many of whom took part in an interactive question-and-answer session. Cultural performances — including dance and music presented by students of Balurghat B.Ed. College — were also part of the day’s observance.

The main speaker was noted psychiatrist Dr. Gautam Bandyopadhyay, a former professor at Kolkata Medical College. In his address, he spoke about recognizing early signs of mental health issues among adolescents and ways to address them effectively. He emphasized that parents play a crucial role in helping teenagers cope with stress and anxiety during formative years.

The workshop discussed a range of topics, including adolescent stress management, the importance of mental health awareness among parents, and how a supportive family environment can influence a young person’s psychological development. Rather than remaining a lecture-based event, organizers designed the program as an interactive session, allowing participants to share experiences and seek guidance from experts.

Several local community leaders, social workers, poets and cultural figures attended the program, highlighting the importance of open conversations about mental health in society.

Organizers said the workshop aimed not only to raise awareness but also to encourage further initiatives in the district. For many in Balurghat, the event served as a reminder that addressing mental health — particularly among adolescents — requires community participation as well as informed guidance from families and educators.