Karachi, 14 Oct 2023: Aga Khan University’s Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) partnered with Synapse – Pakistan Neuroscience Institute, the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), and the British Asian Trust to host “Jashn e Nur: Celebrating the Light Within”, a unique event committed to promoting mental wellness and recognizing mental health as a universal human right. The festival, organized in Karachi, aimed to create an environment emphasizing positive behaviours, self-care, and understanding mental health as a fundamental human right.
The initiative focused on providing Pakistan’s youth with a transformative experience, enabling them to express their inner selves without the constraints of societal judgment or stigma tied to mental health challenges. This effort comes as a critical response to the staggering number of individuals in Pakistan affected by mental health issues. Approximately 20 million Pakistanis grapple with some form of mental health condition. Alarmingly, the country’s adolescent mental disorder prevalence rate stands at 35%, substantially outpacing the global rate of 10-20%.
Ms Falak Madhani, an Implementation Scientist at BMI, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the need for Pakistan to evolve locally-relevant strategies for mental well-being. She cautioned against solely adopting Western models that might not always align with Pakistan’s diverse cultural sensibilities. Ms Madhani also steered the panel discussion “Design to Impact: Climate Change, storytelling and Mental Health” that included seasoned professionals such as Ms Namra Khalid, Mr Ahmed Mian, Ms Nusser Sayeed, and Dr Sana Siddiqui.
NAPA’s vision, shared by Mr Junaid Zuberi, incorporates wellness into societal design, while keynote speaker Ms Rabia Nizami shed light on Youth Mental Health from a human rights vantage point. The event was further enriched by a Slam Poetry session by the Youth Circle of Synapse and discussions moderated by Dr Ayesha Mian, who urged a proactive stance on mental health, emphasizing prevention and primary-level interventions.
Festival-goers immersed themselves in a variety of engaging activities, from Trauma Release Exercise (TRE) sessions, meditation, art therapy, and film screenings, to art displays, interactive walls, and food stalls. The festival was made possible due to the generous support of sponsors like Tapal Tea Pvt. LTD, British Asian Trust, Friends of Synapse, Alfalah Investment, and the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
Collaborators, including organizations such as Savaira, Center of Inclusive Care, Karwan-e-Hayat, and The Garage School, showcased their impact in the realm of community wellness. “Jashn-e-Nur” underscored the importance of mental health, reinforcing that celebrating one’s identity forms the bedrock of sound mental well-being.