Healthy social environments essential for mental well-being: P. N. Baburajan

Doha: Creating healthy and supportive social environments is essential for protecting and promoting the mental well-being of individuals, said prominent social activist and Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Indian Cultural Centre, Qatar, P. N. Baburajan.

He emphasised that healthy social gatherings, meaningful friendships and positive human relationships can play a significant role in strengthening mental health and creating a more supportive society.
Baburajan was inaugurating a group discussion organised jointly by Mediaplus and The Way Corporate Services as part of the observance of World Mental Health Day.
Going beyond conventional notions of right and wrong, society should give greater importance to activities and relationships that empower the mind, build confidence and create positive energy, he said. The ability to listen to one another, understand different perspectives and live together with mutual respect is becoming increasingly important in today’s fast-changing world, he added.
The programme highlighted the need to view mental health not merely as an individual concern but as a shared responsibility of families, workplaces and society as a whole. It also emphasised the importance of healthy relationships, meaningful social connections and supportive communities in promoting emotional well-being.
Delivering the keynote address, Habeeb Rahman Kizhisseri, Executive Director of Friends Cultural Centre, said that one’s perspective on life is a crucial factor in determining mental well-being.
He observed that constantly comparing one’s life with the name, fame and achievements of others, and feeling dissatisfied with one’s own circumstances, has become one of the major challenges faced by people in the modern world.
In a world increasingly marked by anxiety, uncertainty and emotional distress, people need to develop a broader and more compassionate understanding of human life, he said.
“Learning to find contentment in what we have and pursuing our aspirations through peaceful and ethical means are essential for a fulfilling life,” he observed. The true richness of life lies in the richness of the mind, he added.
He also emphasised the importance of developing a healthy attitude towards life’s challenges rather than allowing external comparisons and social pressures to determine one’s sense of worth and happiness.
Rajesh Aaloor, NLP trainer and entrepreneur, pointed out that thoughts, behaviour and lifestyle are closely interconnected.
According to him, positive and constructive thinking can influence behaviour, encourage better decisions and ultimately contribute to a more peaceful and meaningful life. Developing awareness of one’s thoughts and consciously cultivating positive patterns of thinking can therefore have a significant impact on overall well-being.
Presiding over the programme, Uwais Usman, CEO of The Way Corporate Services, stressed the contemporary relevance of mental health and the need to give it adequate attention in both personal and professional life.
He highlighted the importance of recognising emotional and psychological well-being as an integral part of a healthy and productive life. Workplaces and professional environments, he noted, also have an important role to play in creating supportive spaces where individuals can communicate openly and seek help when needed.
Muthalib Mattannur, Chairman of Mind Tune Echo Waves Qatar; Karate trainer Syed Salman; and Jadeer also addressed the gathering.
The programme was moderated by Dr. Amanulla Vadakkangara, CEO of Mediaplus.