Kohima: The Dimapur District Legal Services Authority joined forces with Can Youth and Eastern Christian College on October 9. They hosted 150 students and faculty for a legal awareness seminar. The event arrived alongside World Mental Health Day. It focused on the rights and dignity of those facing mental illness and intellectual disabilities.
Kumchuba, a DDLSA panel lawyer, opened the session. Moakumzuk of the Evangelical Union provided the invocation. Principal Dr. Dominic K. Khanyo warned of rising rates of depression, emotional distress, and suicide. He called for better communication. He said, "He stressed the importance of open communication, empathetic listening and collaborative efforts to safeguard the mental well-being of young people."
Legal experts detailed various support schemes. Visheli H. Yepthomi covered general legal aid and Lok Adalats. Moatila Ao explained the 2016 scheme for the mentally ill, while Thiuswangwiliu detailed the 2024 NALSA guidelines. These rules mandate non-discrimination and equal access to justice for vulnerable populations.
Can Youth coordinator Khumti T. Sangtam screened a video on empathy. Youth facilitator Livino Sumi led a testimony session regarding the life of founder Jenpu Rakho Rongmei. Rongmei’s work grew from the pain of family hardship and the loss of his brother, David, to depression and addiction. His path led him through the Youth Involve Programme at Bosco Institute, Jorhat, before he started his own organization.
Atele Mero ended the event with a vote of thanks to the ECC Alumni Association and other contributors. Amekali Assumi provided the benediction before the group photo.
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