Spreading Hope and Awareness: World Mental Health Day Celebrated with NALSA Legal Aid Initiative

World Mental Health Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Biju Patnaik Mental Special School, Tanwat, through an awareness camp organized by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). The programme aimed to spread awareness about the Mental Healthcare Act and the NALSA (Legal Services for Persons with Mental Illness and Persons with Intellectual Disabilities) Scheme, 2024.

The event witnessed the presence of Ms. Navneeta Dash, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority along with Prakash Senapati, Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, Nuapada Ms. Rajeshwari Samanta, Principal of the School and Para Legal Volunteers of the DLSA who actively participated in the discussions.

During the camp, Secretary Navneeta Dash elaborated on the provisions of the Mental Health Act and the NALSA Scheme, emphasizing the rights and entitlements of persons with mental and intellectual disabilities. She highlighted the importance of ensuring access to free legal aid, government welfare schemes, and institutional support available for persons facing mental health challenges.

Chief Legal Services Advocate Prakash Senapati urged participants to work collectively to eliminate stigma surrounding mental illness and to promote inclusion and awareness in the community. He stressed that awareness and legal literacy are crucial to protecting the dignity and rights of differently-abled persons.

Principal Rajeshwari Samanta expressed her gratitude to the DLSA team for organizing the camp and creating awareness among teachers, students, and caregivers. She remarked that such initiatives play a vital role in shaping a more compassionate and informed society.

The program concluded with an interactive session where participants clarified their doubts about legal services, mental health rights, and available government schemes.

The event was a significant step toward promoting mental health awareness, legal empowerment, and social inclusion for persons with mental disorders and intellectual disabilities in the district.