30/10/2025
Mauritius witnessed a landmark gathering on mental health, organized by the Abhyas Institute of Universal Awareness in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture (IGCIC - ICCR in Mauritius). Held in observance of World Mental Health Day and aligned with the United Nations 2025 theme — “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” — the “Mental Well-Being for All” Conference brought together policymakers, thought leaders, educators, spiritual guides, healthcare professionals, youth, and civil society to champion holistic mental well-being and explore practical strategies for building a resilient society.
His Excellency Mr. Dharambeer Gokhool, G.C.S.K., President of the Republic of Mauritius, graced the conference with his presence despite a demanding schedule, expressing his appreciation to the organizers, distinguished guests, and participants. He commended the initiative for addressing mental health as a matter of both public awareness and national policy. His Excellency emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and knowledge sharing, recommending that Abhyas compile and publish the conference insights to benefit citizens and policymakers alike. While extending his gratitude for the warm birthday wishes, he noted the simplicity of his personal celebrations and concluded by reaffirming the need for collective commitment to mental health awareness and sustainable well-being initiatives across Mauritius.
His Excellency Shri Anurag Srivastava, High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, highlighted mental health as a universal right and essential to overall well-being. Reflecting on COVID-19’s impact, he noted ongoing stress from work, social media, and digital life. He outlined India’s holistic mental health approach, including the National Mental Health Policy, Mental Health Care Act, Ayushman Bharat scheme, and Tele-Manas 24/7 helpline serving millions, especially youth. He emphasized reducing stigma, integrating AI, yoga and Ayurveda, and welcomed the upcoming Center of Excellence for AYUSH in Mauritius. He thanked Abhyas School of Yoga and called for awareness, action, and compassion to ensure every mind is cared for and every community thrives.
Hon. Mrs. Jyoti Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning, highlighted the vital mind-body connection, sharing her mother’s inspiring story of resilience through daily meditation. She emphasized yoga and mindfulness as tools for mental strength, societal productivity, and innovation, while addressing stigma around mental health. Drawing from personal experience, she encouraged daily moments of self-reflection and mindfulness to foster resilience, and underscored integrating these practices into Mauritius’ national mental health initiatives.
Hon. Babooram Anishta, Junior Minister of Health & Wellness, highlighted the importance of understanding brain health and reducing stigma around mental illness. She shared insights from Dr. Daniel Amen’s book “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life” and Abraham Lincoln’s struggles with depression as lessons on mental well-being. She emphasized the role of the upcoming AYUSH Project in Mauritius—integrating Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy—to support holistic mental health. She called for collective awareness, compassion, and combining science and tradition to build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient society.
Served at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Geeta Devi Dorkhy emphasized that leadership in mental well-being is about everyday actions—listening, caring, and empowering others. She highlighted the urgency of addressing rising mental health challenges in Mauritius, valuing prevention as much as treatment, recognizing every individual’s worth, and fostering connection, dignity, and belonging. Through compassion, community engagement, and collective action, lasting mental well-being can be created across the nation.
The cultural performance “Harmony Within” by Govindramen SEN School showcased the connection between mind, body, and environment. Before the presentation, Mrs. Anisha Seeratun from Arya Sabha’s Special Needs Schools highlighted that Shrimati L.P. Govindramen and Aron Vic SEN Schools support children with autism, intellectual, and learning disabilities, combining academics with activities like yoga and Zumba to foster focus, fitness, and emotional well-being. She emphasized that every child is uniquely talented and encouraged programs that nurture physical, social, emotional, and creative growth. Mrs. Seeratun thanked Abhyas School of Yoga, Dr. Shanti Mohabeer, SENA, and school manager Mr. Penu for their support. The performance that followed warmly celebrated inclusivity, creativity, and inner harmony.
Dr. Anjali Boyramboli from the University of Mauritius highlighted the importance of youth mental well-being, urging a focus on the quality of thoughts and emotional awareness. She stressed that parents serve as the first emotional guides for children, and modern lifestyles with stress, aggression, and digital dependence contribute to anxiety and depression. Drawing on ancestral practices, she encouraged grounding, mindfulness, and reconnecting with nature. Her key message: mindful self-connection and conscious living are vital for emotional well-being and youth resilience.
Revered Swami Yogamritananda, representing Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma) and the Mata Amritanandamayi Math (M.A. Math), emphasized that true mental resilience comes from connecting with one’s inner self and practicing selfless service. He highlighted that compassion, yoga, meditation, and self-knowledge strengthen the mind, transform suffering into growth, and foster harmony. Swami Yogamritananda reminded the audience that mental well-being is both personal and collective, nurtured through awareness, empathy, and spiritual connection, reflecting Amma’s vision of universal oneness and compassionate action.
Mr. Mahesh Ramassur, Chief Prisons Welfare Officer, highlighted the importance of mental health care for both detainees and prison officers. He emphasized restoring dignity, hope, and resilience through multidisciplinary support and community reintegration.
He specially acknowledged the Abhyas School of Yoga, whose programs in prisons have improved emotional balance, reduced anxiety, and strengthened inner resilience. Mr. Ramassur reaffirmed the Prison Service’s commitment to humane rehabilitation and called for joint efforts to make mental health a universal right.
The Govindramen SEN School and Children’s Foundation delivered a vibrant performance celebrating inclusivity, creativity, and collaboration. Through songs, movements, and interactive activities like “Follow the Leader,” the children showcased teamwork, joy, and authentic expression.
Special thanks were given to Mrs. Anisha Seeratun and Danny Dantul for their guidance in coaching the students. The performance concluded with applause, highlighting the power of collective creativity and inclusivity.
Mina Ahdieh Boodhun shared a moving presentation, “The Space Where Love Blossoms – Prayer of the Bahá’í Faith,” inviting the audience to reflect on the power of love, unity, and compassion in nurturing mental and emotional well-being.
Mr. Avinash Meetoo, Director of Knowledge7 and former Head of Experimentation at the UNDP Accelerator Lab, strongly emphasized conscious digital literacy, urging everyone to engage with AI thoughtfully rather than passively. He highlighted the need to use technology responsibly, ensuring it supports mental well-being, strengthens human connections, and fosters self-awareness. Mr. Meetoo emphasised that AI should enhance our lives, not replace relationships or inner reflection, and that societal contribution must remain central—so technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
Dr. Dharmesh Domun, Medical and Health Officer at the Harm Reduction Unit, Ministry of Health and Wellness, highlighted the need for a holistic and compassionate approach to addiction care, combining medical, psychological, and social interventions. He emphasized trauma-informed practices and the role of yoga and mind-body techniques in restoring emotional balance and resilience, helping individuals reconnect with themselves and reintegrate into society.
Dr. Awadesh Kumar, Senior Consultant in Minimally Invasive Surgery and Director of Swastikum Foundation, highlighted the growing mental health crisis among medical professionals, noting high levels of burnout, anxiety, and depression due to chronic stress and moral injury. He emphasized that unaddressed fatigue impacts decision-making and patient care, calling for greater awareness, rest, and systemic support. Dr. Kumar shared strategies for resilience through mindfulness, neuroplasticity, and the “Four A’s” framework—Awareness, Acceptance, Adjustment, and Alignment. His message underscored that self-compassion and mindful practices are essential for doctors to sustain mental well-being and deliver compassionate care.
Dr. Shubhankar Mishra, Deputy Director General of the World Hindi Secretariat, delivered a captivating talk titled “Samskrit: The Songs of the Neurons,” exploring Sanskrit’s connection to self-development, memory, and cognitive science. He described Sanskrit as a refined and systematic language that sharpens logic, rhythm, and precision—qualities that enhance memory and focus. Dr. Mishra explained how chanting Sanskrit activates both brain hemispheres, improving cognition, emotional balance, and neuroplasticity, as supported by modern neuroscience research. He highlighted that Sanskrit chanting not only nurtures intellect but also calms the mind and strengthens inner harmony. His key message: Sanskrit is more than a language—it’s a science of sound and consciousness that refines thought, enhances mental clarity, and nurtures holistic well-being.
Sanskrit chanting by IGCIC - ICCR in Mauritius team
In harmony with this theme, a Samskrit chanting performance by Shri Kunal Kale, an accomplished Tabla artist and disciple of TaalYogi Padmashree Pt. Suresh Talwalkar, and Shri Nirmalya Sen, a gifted vocalist from Kolkata trained at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy, beautifully embodied the rhythm and resonance of Sanskrit’s sonic essence. Their performance seamlessly intertwined sound, vibration, and emotion—reflecting the spirit of the talk and the timeless power of Samskrit.
Ishmeet, an instructor at Abhyas , highlighted the “Need of the hour” for mind-body awareness. Through conscious breathing participants learned to release tension, cultivate emotional resilience and concentration, and gain mental clarity and inner harmony in daily life.
During the event, it was announced that several esteemed personalities have consented to serve as members of the Advisory Board of Abhyas.
Tony Lee Luen concluded the conference by reflecting on the day’s insights, emphasizing how ancient wisdom applied in modern life can transform mental and emotional well-being. He highlighted the importance of making the mind a supportive ally, adaptable for personal growth, noting that a well-formed mind is more valuable than a well-informed one in today’s age of information overload. The session also outlined Abhyas Institute’s vision to expand collaborations, research, workshops, and retreats to enhance mental well-being locally and globally. Gratitude was extended to dignitaries, speakers, volunteers, sponsors—including Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd. , Bank of Baroda Mauritius, MicroLabs, and Rishilok Limited—and participants for their contributions. The closing message reinforced mindfulness and compassion, quoting Naam Deo: “A single breath can dissolve all issues,” before inviting everyone for a group photo and refreshments, marking the successful conclusion of an inspiring conference.
