World Mental Health Day - 2K Marathon

Date: October 10, 2025

Venue: NARAYANA MEDICAL COLLEGE MAIN GATE ENTRANCE, Nellore

Organized by: Department of Psychiatry in association with NSS Unit, Narayana Medical College and Hospital Under the guidance: Dr P Sreenivasulu Reddy, Dean NMCH

The World Mental  Health  Day was  celebrated grandly  on October 10th,  2025,  at  Narayana Medical College and Hospital, under the theme of promoting awareness about ACCESS TO SERVICES – MENTAL HEALTH IN CATASTROPHES AND EMERGENCIES. The event was organized by the Department of Psychiatry in association with the National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of Narayana Medical College and Hospital, under the guidance and leadership of Dr. P. Sreenivasulu Reddy Garu, Dean, Narayana Medical College and Hospital.

The celebrations began  early in the morning with an enthusiastic 2K Marathon  Run conducted at the Narayana Medical  College  Main Gate  entrance to Parthasaradhi Nagar Arch  and  back  to Narayana Medical College  Main Gate  , Nellore   which aimed  to create awareness about mental health and  the  importance  of physical activity in maintaining psychological wellness.

The event was graced  by several  dignitaries. Dr. V.V. Seshamma, Professor and Head of the Department of  Psychiatry,   addressed the  gathering   and  spoke   about the  significance  of  World  Mental  Health   Day, emphasizing the  need  for early  recognition and  care  for mental health issues in today’s stressful world. Following, Dr. Arun Kant, Deputy Medical Superintendent, spoke  about the growing mental health challenges faced by the younger generation and the importance of community participation in addressing them. Dr. Sathish, Assistant Medical Superintendent, shared his views on the institution’s commitment towards promoting holistic health, while Dr. Prabhakar Garu from the Management delivered an inspiring message appreciating the efforts of the Department of Psychiatry and NSS Unit for organizing such a meaningful event.

Dr. D. M. Karthik, NSS Program Officer, highlighted that the 2K Marathon was successfully conducted with the active support of multiple organizations, including MY Bharat Nellore and the Janaka Integra Svasthya, NGO and thanked all for their collaboration. He also thanked Dr Harshitha Verramachaneni , Assistant professor of psychiatry for involving all the department and Dr Kashyap Varma post graduate for his involvement in organising the things .

The  marathon  saw   an  overwhelming   participation  of  nearly   350  students  representing various constituent colleges — Narayana Medical, Dental, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, and Engineering Colleges

— along with enthusiastic participation from the local public.

All the   participants  were   awarded  participation  medals  by  the   Department  of  Psychiatry,   and refreshments were provided to everyone at the end of the event.

The program concluded on a high note with appreciation from faculty, students, and the administration, marking it as one of the most successful and memorable awareness events of the year. The entire event reflected the collective effort and spirit of teamwork among the Department of Psychiatry, NSS Unit, Management, Faculty, and Students of Narayana Medical College and Hospital.