Nirjuli, Oct 22: A two-day Youth Champions Training Program was successfully held on October 21-22 by the Health and Well-Being Centre of NERIST, Nirjuli. The program was organized by ICMR-AITS, RGU, in collaboration with NERIST, under the leadership of Prof Narendranath S.
The training aimed to empower students as “Youth Champions” — peer leaders equipped with empathy, communication, and leadership skills to promote mental health awareness and prevent suicide among their peers. A total of 33 students from seven major departments of NERIST and the North East Nursing College of Health Science, Lekhi, actively participated.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Prof P R Gujerel, Dean of Student Affairs, NERIST, who underscored the crucial role of youth in building emotionally resilient and mentally aware communities.
Interactive sessions were conducted by Project Research Scientists Dr Tuyir Riba, Mayuri Handique, Abhishek Rajak, Chara Lowangcha, and master trainer (volunteer) Toko Yapung. The training featured pre- and post-assessments, mental health awareness activities, role plays, and a stress management session by Dr Akhilesh Sharma.
Participants also prepared action plans for conducting awareness initiatives within their respective campuses, focusing on promoting mental well-being and providing peer support to students in distress.
The program concluded with a strong call to action, inspiring students to serve as ambassadors of awareness, compassion, and hope, dedicated to fostering a culture of mental health and emotional resilience in their communities.