Officials, faculty and students during a legal awareness programme held at Eastern Christian College in Dimapur on October 9.
Dimapur, October 9 (MExN): The Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA), in collaboration with Can Youth and Eastern Christian College, including the ECC Alumni Association, organised a legal awareness programme on World Mental Health Day at Eastern Christian College here on October 9, with around 150 students and faculty members participating.
The programme aimed to promote mental health awareness, legal literacy, empathy, and the rights and dignity of persons with mental illness and intellectual disabilities.
The programme commenced with an address by Kumchuba, panel lawyer of DDLSA, followed by an invocation by Moakumzuk, vice-president of the Evangelical Union, Eastern Christian College.
Dr Dominic K Khanyo, principal of Eastern Christian College, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the growing mental health challenges among young people, including depression, emotional distress and suicide. He stressed the importance of open communication, empathetic listening and collaborative efforts to safeguard the mental well-being of young people.
Visheli H Yepthomi, panel lawyer of DDLSA, spoke on the legal services and functions of the Dimapur District Legal Services Authority, explaining free legal aid, legal awareness initiatives, Lok Adalats and access to justice for vulnerable sections of society.
Moatila Ao, panel lawyer of DDLSA, addressed the Legal Services to Mentally Ill and Mentally Disabled Persons Scheme, 2016, highlighting the distinction between mental illness and intellectual disabilities. She stressed that neither condition should lead to discrimination or denial of legal rights.
Thiuswangwiliu, panel lawyer of DDLSA, presented the NALSA (Legal Services to Persons with Mental Illness and Persons with Intellectual Disabilities) Scheme, 2024, highlighting non-discrimination, equal access to justice, free legal aid for eligible persons, independent community living and coordination between legal services authorities and healthcare institutions.
As part of the programme, Khumti T Sangtam, coordinator of Can Youth, presented a video on empathy, encouraging participants to listen without judgment and respond to others' struggles with kindness and compassion.
A testimony session facilitated by Livino Sumi, youth facilitator of Can Youth, highlighted the life journey of Jenpu Rakho Rongmei, founder of Can Youth, and the experiences that inspired the establishment of the organisation.
Rongmei's testimony reflected the impact of family difficulties, financial hardship and the loss of his younger brother, David, who struggled with depression and drug addiction. Rather than allowing grief to define his life, Rongmei channelled his experiences into a commitment to support young people facing similar challenges.
His journey through the Youth Involve Programme at Bosco Institute, Jorhat, and the encouragement he received from Fr Jerry strengthened his determination to turn adversity into meaningful social action.
Atele Mero, accountant and legal compliance officer of Can Youth, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging DDLSA, Eastern Christian College, the ECC Alumni Association, resource persons, organisers, volunteers, faculty members, the media team and participants for their contributions and cooperation.
The programme concluded with a benediction by Amekali Assumi, general secretary of the Evangelical Union, Eastern Christian College, followed by a group photograph.
