Brain awareness week observed in state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 18 2023: For the first time in the state, Stresspunsch Sci Comm and Manipur University's Department of Biotechnology organised the Brain Awareness Week 2023 under the funding of International Brain Research Organisation and Stresspunsch at the senate hall of Manipur University on Saturday.

MU School of Science dean professor R Varatharajan, Imphal East deputy commissioner (DC) Diana Khumanthem and Stresspunsch Sci Comm founder Monika Chanu Chongtham attended the programme as chief guest, president and convenor respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Monika Chanu confided that she has been studying and doing researches on the reason behind mental disorders due to changing lifestyle and ways to protect oneself from such disorders after she pursued Master's course in Neuro Science in the United Kingdom.

Brain Awareness Week is an international event, which is observed in different countries and she initiated the concept in the state for the first time with support from Manipur University faculties, Monika said.

While pointing out that stress, anxiety and depression have become common issues among today's generation which is filed with internet, smartphones and other changing lifestyles, she opined that creating awareness among the students on how the modern lifestyles lead to such mental disorders could help in keeping them prepared for life.

Educating the students on the ways to protect themselves from mental disorders is the main objective of the programme, she said.

The founder-cum-researcher also informed that different resource persons will talk on different topics such 'what is psychosis', 'how does psychotherapy help in treatment of mental disorders', and 'how to bring stress resilience through neurological ways' among others.

She also said that her organisation is planning to organise similar programmes in different parts of the state, especially in far flung areas.

DC Imphal East Diana Khumanthem spoke on 'Progress in brain sciences in the past few years, its necessity and impact in the future'.

DDK, Imphal assistant director Dr Ibomcha spoke on 'Importance of public outreach/science communication of brain sciences to the public'.

Monika Chongtham spoke on 'Fund neuroscience games' and 'introduction to stress resilience' .

Moreover, Advanced Hospital psychiatrist Dr Asheema Haobijam deliberated on 'Mental health disorders: Symptoms and causes', RIMS clinical psychologist Pampak Khumukcham on 'Physiotherapy changes your brain', while MU department of biotechnology faculty Dr Reena Haobam elaborated on 'Neurobiology of addiction' during the programme.

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