NATIONAL Institute of Technology (NIT) Raipur’s Department of Humanities and Social Sciences is organizing a two-day seminar on ‘Work-Life Balance and Mental Health’ from Thursday. Main objective of the seminar is to spread awareness among employees about mental health, dealing with stress and related issues, techniques to cope with depression, and ways to live a happy and prosperous life. Director of NIT Raipur Dr N V Ramana Rao was the specially present in the inauguration ceremony. HoD DHSS Dr Sameer Bajpai, HoD IT Dr Sudhakar Pandey along with faculty members and staff from various departments were also present on the occasion. In his address, Dr Sameer Bajpai said that in today’s fast-paced world, the burden of personal aspirations often becomes a major source of stress. He emphasized the importance of mental health and remarked that such workshops can significantly contribute to institutional development.

 

He also appreciated the attentive presence of the sanitation workers and extended his gratitude to Dr Heena Chawda for her dedicated efforts. Dr Sudhakar Pandey noted that stress is a common outcome of workplace hustle, but it is essential to keep that stress confined to professional settings and to mentally reset upon returning home. Sharing his views, Dr N V Ramana Rao highlighted the critical relevance of the day’s theme. He explained that a poor work style can lead to serious stress, while anxiety and depression increase the risks associated with ongoing pressure and mental health concerns. These problems can manifest as sleep disturbances, strained personal relationships and a decline in physical health, especially when personal ambitions begin to dominate.

 

Dr Rao shared several practical strategies to encourage better work-life balance and mental well-being. These included setting clear boundaries between personal and professional life, practicing mindfulness, engaging in enjoyable activities and regular exercise, learning to say no to prevent burnout, taking breaks when necessary, delegating tasks, sharing responsibilities, adopting a digital detox, and seeking therapy when needed. He emphasized that maintaining balance is essential for emotional well-being.

 

Keynote speaker of the programme, Psychologist of NIT Raipur Dr Heena Chawda said that taking inspiration from the classes of value education, such workshops should be organized for employees as well. She said that due to lack of information, we take the wrong path, which increases problems. Right understanding is the solution to mental problems. Along with the economic aspect of life, the mental/emotional aspect also needs to be correct, which is possible only through correct understanding. Such workshops are organized so that correct understanding reaches everyone. Dr Chawda also said that work-life balance means balance in personal life (family, friends and self) and balance in professional life (job and career). The boundaries between the two should be clear. Problems of one area should not go to the other area. The seminar will conclude on July 17.