MCM DAV College Chandigarh Promotes Mental Health, Breast Cancer Awareness
NSS initiatives under Project Manaswi and Pink October campaign focus on women’s well-being, trauma awareness and early detection
Chandigarh : The NSS Units of Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, Chandigarh, organised two awareness initiatives under Project Manaswi and the Pink October campaign to promote women’s mental health, breast cancer awareness and preventive healthcare.
The initiatives encouraged students to prioritise their well-being, recognise unhealthy patterns and make informed decisions about their physical and mental health.
Under Project Manaswi, the NSS Units organised a session titled ‘Nurturing Minds, Building Bridges: Community Mental Well-being’ to mark World Mental Health Day. The session was conducted by Vimmi Jaggi, a US-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of experience in social work, including more than eight years in acute care social work.
Integrating feminism with mental health, Jaggi discussed the psychosocial patterns of victimisation and revictimisation, highlighting the conflict between self-assertion and the tendency to comply with external expectations. She explained how societal pressures and internal perceptions can shape behaviour and contribute to recurring emotional conflicts.
An interactive exercise allowed students to share their experiences and reflect on ways to empower themselves and support other women. The session highlighted the role of self-awareness and self-love in building confidence, resilience and personal growth.
Jaggi also explained the four trauma responses — Fight, Flight, Freeze and Fawn — and discussed how coping mechanisms developed in adverse circumstances can become normalised over time. Drawing on the South Asian cultural context, she encouraged students to identify unhealthy behavioural patterns and develop healthier responses.
As part of Pink October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the NSS Units organised a separate awareness session featuring Dr Sunaina Bansal as the resource person. The session highlighted the importance of breast health, early detection, appropriate screening and timely medical consultation.
Students were encouraged to take a proactive approach to their health, challenge the stigma associated with breast cancer and share reliable health information with their families and communities.
Officiating Principal Neena Sharma appreciated the NSS Units and volunteers for their efforts to address key aspects of women’s physical and mental well-being. She stressed the importance of awareness, informed decision-making and creating a supportive environment where women feel empowered to prioritise their health.
The initiatives reinforced the college’s commitment to women’s empowerment through mental health education, breast cancer awareness and community engagement.
