ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik on Friday urged the people of the state to create a society where compassion is the guiding principle and mental health care is viewed as a fundamental right, not a privilege.
While presenting a cheque of Rs 30 lakh to the owner of Deepak Nabam Living Home, a shelter for the destitute, at Raj Bhawan, the governor emphasised that individuals struggling with mental illness have the potential to recover, grow, and even thrive when given the right care and opportunities.
The cheque represents a grant under the Mukhya Mantri Manasik Swasthya Yojana, a state government initiative aimed at supporting mental health services.
Parnaik called on all to collaborate in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, offering support, and ensuring inclusion for those facing mental health challenges.
“We must build a society where compassion is the norm and mental health care is recognised as a right, not a privilege,” he stated.
The governor pointed out that mental health is often neglected and burdened with stigma and misconceptions, which affects not just individuals but also their families, communities, and society at large.
He stressed the importance of creating an environment that promotes mental wellness, noting that it is a collective responsibility, not just the task of the government or organisations alone.
