Expert Talk on Social Justice and Mental Health Inequalities Held at TMU
The Department of Mental Health Nursing at Teerthanker Mahaveer College of Nursing (TMCON) organised an insightful expert talk on social justice and Mental Health Inequalities on 26th February 2026. The session, conducted from 2 PM to 4 PM in online mode, marked the occasion of World Social Justice Day and aimed to raise awareness about mental health disparities and equitable access to care.
Dignitaries and Participants
The programme was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including:
- Dr S.P. Subashini, Dean, College of Nursing
- Dr Jasline M, Principal, TMCON
- Prof. Ram Niwas, Vice-Principal, TMCON
The session witnessed active participation from around 200 attendees, including undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students, along with faculty members.
Focus on Social Justice and Mental Health Inequalities
The theme of the event, “Social Justice – Addressing Mental Health Inequalities and Access,” highlighted the urgent need to eliminate disparities in mental healthcare.
Dr S.P. Subashini emphasised that social justice and mental health inequalities remain a critical global and national challenge. She pointed out that marginalised communities often face stigma, a lack of awareness, and limited access to quality mental health services.
Dr Jasline M further inspired students by emphasising that mental health is a fundamental human right. She encouraged future nurses to act as compassionate leaders and advocates for equality in healthcare.
Prof. Ram Niwas reinforced the importance of combining professional competence with empathy to address mental health inequalities through evidence-based practices and community engagement.
Keynote Session on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Equity
The keynote speaker, Dr Anjana Williams, Professor cum Principal, Himalaya College of Nursing, delivered an impactful lecture on “Suicide Prevention – Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” Her session strongly connected with the theme of social justice and mental health inequalities, focusing on:
- Structural and societal barriers in mental healthcare
- The role of poverty, gender discrimination, and stigma
- Importance of early identification and intervention
- Need for culturally sensitive and accessible mental health services
She highlighted how addressing mental health inequalities requires collaborative efforts, policy support, and active involvement of healthcare professionals, especially nurses.
Role of Nursing in Promoting Social Justice
The expert talk emphasised that nurses play a crucial role in reducing social justice and mental health inequalities through:
- Community awareness program
- Advocacy for vulnerable populations
- Early detection of mental health issues
- Providing inclusive and compassionate care
The session encouraged students to view nursing not just as a profession but as a responsibility toward achieving equity and justice in healthcare.
The programme was interactive and thought-provoking, allowing participants to engage in meaningful discussions on mental health inequalities. Students gained valuable insights into their role in bridging the gap in mental healthcare access.
Conclusion
The expert talk on Social Justice and Mental Health Inequalities concluded on a highly motivating note with a vote of thanks by Ms Manvi. The event successfully reinforced TMU’s commitment to promoting equitable mental healthcare and empowering future nurses to become advocates of social justice. Such initiatives reflect TMU’s dedication to addressing mental health inequalities and fostering a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare system.
