To mark the conclusion of its month-long 'SOS: Stories of Survival' social campaign, Jaano Junction hosted an event on September 29th at the House of Variety in Patna. The event, focusing on suicide prevention and mental well-being, featured three insightful panel discussions, termed as Live Podcasts, with experts from various fields.
The first Live Podcast, "SOS: How to Seek Help?", brought together Anindita Chatterjee, a psychotherapist and dance movement therapist from Delhi, Suman Sinha, Director of House of Variety and Art of Living trainer, and Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Professor & Head of the psychiatry department at IGIMS Patna. They discussed the importance of recognizing mental health issues and accessing professional help.
The second podcast, "Women at Work: सामाजिक और मानसिक चुनौतियों के बीच कैसे बनें रहे सशक्त", featured prominent women including Anjali Singh, famed radio jockey from Mirchi, Soma Chakraborty, media veteran and dance lecturer, and Manisha Sinha, Principal of Radiant International School. The panel addressed the unique social and mental challenges women face in the workplace, offering insights into resilience and empowerment.
The third Live Podcast, "Critical Side of Content Creation: Trolls Taking Toll on You?", saw participation from Ashish Kaushik, documentary filmmaker and content creator, Anindita Chatterjee, and Udit Sharma, a cyber crime and cyber forensic investigator in Police department (LEA). The panel discussed the growing pressures faced by content creators in the digital age, while addressing the impact of online trolling, cyber-bullying and beyond.
The event was graced by Padma Shree awardee Sudha Varghese, social activist and founder of the Nari Gunjan foundation, as the Chief Guest. In her keynote address, she emphasized the need to "disconnect to connect," urging people to step away from the digital world to build more meaningful real-world connections, which she believes is essential for fostering happiness.
In addition to the discussions, the event featured cultural performances. The program began with a captivating Durga Vandana dance by Kayna Vidyarthi, a student from St. Joseph's Convent High School. This was followed by a theatrical act performed by the children of Kilkari Bihar Bal Bhawan, directed by Abhishek, conveying the emotional weight of the event's theme. The evening concluded on a powerful musical note, performed by Apoorw, executive producer and digital presenter at Jaano Junction.
Dr. Pooja Varma, Director and Editor-in-Chief of Jaano Junction, shared the platform's vision in her closing remarks. She explained how Jaano Junction was established during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when cases of depression and anxiety surged, with a mission to foster dialogue on critical issues like mental health. She highlighted how their platform, through the Citizen Junction column, continues to give people a voice, much like their impactful SADDA HAQ election campaign during the 2024 general election.
The campaign attracted wide support from politicians, bureaucrats, Bollywood celebrities, content creators, doctors, and influencers from both India and abroad, amplifying the message of mental well-being and the importance of open dialogue.
Loons supported the cause by joining as Creative Partner in the event. Law Prep Tutorial, Makers Furniture, Raj Estates & Consultants, Handmade in Bihar, EcoWater, and La Pintura Studio also extended their heartfelt support to further the cause of SOS: Stories of Survival.
The event marked a fitting end to the 'SOS: Stories of Survival' campaign, leaving a lasting impression on attendees and raising significant awareness around suicide prevention and mental health.