Kohima: Kohima Science College in Jotsoma hosted a seminar on October 16 to address mental well-being in higher education. Roughly 50 faculty members attended the event, titled Breaking the Silence: Understanding Mental Health. The Internal Quality Assurance Cell organized the gathering in the college conference hall. Dr. Lilongchem Thyug chaired the inaugural session.
Principal Dr. Temjenwabang opened the day by stressing the importance of monitoring health challenges as directed by the University Grants Commission. Experts led three sessions throughout the day. Bokatoli Sumi, co-founder of Serendip Guardians, discussed supporting students. She urged staff to step up without needing a medical degree. Educators must create dedicated support systems. Sumi said, "Educators do not need to be clinical experts to make a difference."
Dr. Temsulong Pongener, a psychiatrist at District Hospital Phek, shifted the focus to severe clinical cases like major depressive and anxiety disorders. He pushed for early intervention using evidence-based medicine. His talk centered on the growing health concerns currently facing Nagaland. Psychiatric social worker Libeni Cheryl Jungi followed with a session on faculty self-care, boundaries, and stress assessment.
Staff from the Zoology, English, and Geography departments shared their feedback after the final presentation. Luiluile Lungalang, Dr. Richard Dzuvichu, and Rongdensungla praised the event for its comprehensive approach. J Sharon of the KSCTA chaired the valedictory session. Dr. Sedevikho Chase closed the event with a vote of thanks.
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