In an effort to reinforce its commitment to holistic education, where academic growth is supported by emotional and mental well-being, Billabong High International School Juhu hosted its annual Mind-A-Thon event on October 11, 2024. Aimed at raising awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, this impactful event brought the entire student community together for a day of insightful discussions, calming activities, and an inspiring talk by Ms. Ira Khan, Founder and CEO of the Agatsu Foundation.
Mind-A-Thon 2024 featured a range of activities designed to promote mental well-being, including a Calming Station where students participated in mindfulness exercises to regulate emotions and reduce stress. Additionally, a skit focused on mental health awareness was performed, emphasising the importance of prioritizing mental health just as much as physical health.
The highlight of the day was a powerful keynote address by Ms. Ira Khan, a renowned mental health advocate, who shared her personal journey and the challenges she faced, encouraging students to seek help when needed and to view mental health without stigma. Drawing from her experiences as the Founder of the Agatsu Foundation, Ms. Khan discussed the importance of resilience, empathy, and building a supportive community.
Following her inspiring speech, Ms. Khan engaged with the students in an open Q&A session, answering their questions and promoting a dialogue about mental health. The students actively participated, sharing their thoughts and concerns, and gained valuable insights into the importance of self-care and emotional well-being.
“Breaking the stigma around mental health starts with open conversations and understanding that it’s okay to seek help. Today’s youth are the leaders of tomorrow, and by empowering them to prioritize their mental well-being, we’re shaping a more compassionate and resilient society. I’m honoured to be a part of Mind-A-Thon, and I hope the students of Billabong High International School carry forward this message of empathy, strength, and support in everything they do,” said Ms. Khan.
Commenting on the success of the initiative, Anahita Landers, Principal, Billabong High International School, Juhu, said, “We are incredibly proud of the success of this year’s Mind-A-Thon event. At Billabong High International School, Juhu, we believe that mental health is just as crucial as academic achievement, and we are committed to fostering an environment where students feel safe to talk about their mental and emotional challenges. Mind-A-Thon is a powerful initiative that helps normalise these conversations, and having Ms. Ira Khan share her personal journey made a lasting impact on our students. We look forward to continuing this initiative and empowering our students to take charge of their mental well-being”.
