The Kautilya Society at National Law University Odisha (NLUO), in partnership with the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, is set to host an insightful panel discussion titled, “Beyond Individual Distress: Re-evaluating Mental Health as a Social and Structural Crisis in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs).” This significant event is scheduled for September 6, 2026, and will take place online via Google Meet.
For years, the prevailing approach in addressing mental health issues among students in higher education has been predominantly clinical, focusing on individual psychological conditions. However, the increasing levels of student distress across various HEIs highlight the inadequacy of this individual-centric approach. This panel aims to broaden the perspective, positioning mental health not merely as an isolated medical issue but as a systemic, social, and institutional crisis.
Panel Discussion Inspired by Recent Report
The discussion draws inspiration from a comprehensive report submitted by Vidhi, in collaboration with Kautilya Society fellows, to the National Task Force on Mental Health of Students and the Prevention of Suicides in HEIs. The report underscores the need to shift the narrative around mental health, urging a more holistic approach that considers the broader institutional and societal context.
Esteemed Panelists Bring Diverse Expertise
Dr. Debadutta Mohapatra, an Associate Professor at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, will be among the distinguished panelists. With a specialization in child and adolescent psychiatry, Dr. Mohapatra brings a wealth of experience in psychopharmacology and psychiatric rehabilitation. She is a prolific researcher with numerous publications and accolades, including the Best Researcher Award at AIIMS Bhubaneswar for three consecutive years.
Joining her is Shireen Yachu, a Senior Resident Fellow at the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy. Her expertise lies in mental health, suicide prevention, and gender rights. With a background in sociology from the Delhi School of Economics, she offers a unique perspective on public health and social policy.
Pratyay Panigrahi, a Research Fellow at the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, will contribute his insights on public law and institutional accountability. His academic credentials include an LLM from the London School of Economics, and his career encompasses roles in research and regulatory analysis.
Completing the panel is Somya S. Mohapatra, a seasoned mental health expert with 15 years of experience in psychotherapy and counselling. Currently, the Chief Psychologist at Manam Foundation, she is actively engaged in mental health awareness and training programs across various institutions, including government and non-profit organizations.
Event Details and Participation
The panel discussion is open to students, faculty, and external participants. It will be held on Sunday, September 6, 2026, from 6 PM to 8 PM via Google Meet. Interested individuals can join through the link: Google Meet.
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For any inquiries, participants can reach out to the Kautilya Society via email at ksociety@nluo.ac.in. Further contact can be made with the Convenor, Aryan Chowdhury, at +91 8318262740, or the Co-Convenor, Nidhi Rai, at +91 9560392741.
