Anubhuti had launched Mann Mela in 2018 – a unique games based, grassroot led, highly adaptable to diverse contexts module for mental health literacy & support. It has been carried out with over 500 youth and women in colleges, rural areas & adivasi villages since 4 years. The ‘fair’ currently has 8 stalls: Mukhavte (Emotion masks), Saap Sidhi (Snakes & Ladders), Ring Throw, Haasya Katta (Laughter corner), Nishanebazi (Target practice), Prashn Manjusha (Quiz), Film screening (film made on our unique mental justice concept) & Sva-Sanvaad (Self Dialogue).
Each stall has messages & discussion points designed particularly in context of multiple marginalizations, and the most unique factor is that it is led entirely by trained grassroot youth. The way they connect with their peers on issues affecting mental health in their lived realities, is unmatched. So privileged to currently have third line leadership trained in Mann Mela facilitation!
Recently carried out with young women of the ITI college in Ambernath – one of the oldest – on occasion of International Women’s Day. These colleges have a tradition of progressiveness, enabling grassroot youth to enter technical fields. We thought it apt to collaborate with them, and were truly glad to interact with them.