Chandigarh:
Promoting mental well-being, creative expression and vocational empowerment, the Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Chandigarh Skill Development Mission (CSDM), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi (CLKA), organised an Inclusive Pottery Workshop-cum-Competition at DDTC, PGIMER, under “SAMARTH – Shaping Clay, Nurturing Minds,” a Collaborative Mental Health Awareness and Skill Development Initiative.
Launched jointly by the Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, and CSDM, SAMARTH symbolises inner strength, resilience, confidence and empowerment. The initiative aims to integrate mental health awareness with skill development, vocational rehabilitation and employment opportunities, fostering an inclusive environment where individuals can recognise and develop their potential.
The workshop brought together 30 participants, including 10 from PGIMER and 20 students from CSDM-associated institutions—CCET, Sector 26; Government Polytechnic for Women, Sector 10; GITI, Sector 28; and GITIW, Sector 11. Through hands-on pottery and clay modelling, participants explored creative expression, developed practical skills and engaged in activities promoting concentration, social interaction and confidence. The programme also featured a competition and prize distribution, with certificates of participation for all participants.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Subho Chakrabarti, Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh, said, “Mental health care must extend beyond symptom management to helping individuals rebuild confidence, discover their strengths and participate meaningfully in society. Through SAMARTH, we aim to create an inclusive ecosystem that brings together mental health awareness, creative expression, skill development and employment opportunities. Activities such as pottery encourage self-expression, focused engagement and social connection, while vocational partnerships can help translate individual abilities into meaningful opportunities for greater independence, dignity and social inclusion.”
The workshop highlighted the potential of creative activities in supporting psychosocial well-being. Working with clay encourages concentration, sensory engagement, patience and creative exploration. In a supportive group setting, such activities may also promote self-confidence and social connection, complementing appropriate mental health care and rehabilitation.
The workshop was conducted by eminent senior city sculptor Tulsi Ram, along with young sculptors Chandini and Sahil, with support from Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi.
A distinctive feature of SAMARTH is its two-way collaborative learning approach. While mental health professionals from PGIMER have sensitised students to mental health awareness and stress management, faculty members, resident doctors and professional staff of the Department of Psychiatry have been oriented by CSDM on Chandigarh’s skill development ecosystem, the Skill India Mission, vocational rehabilitation pathways and employment opportunities for patients and caregivers. NSDC has also conducted orientation sessions on national skilling initiatives, future skills, certification frameworks and formal skill development programmes.
Since April 2026, PGIMER and CSDM have conducted collaborative programmes at CCET, Sector 26; Government Polytechnic, Sector 10; GITI, Sector 11; and GITI, Sector 28. The sessions covered mental health awareness, stress management, youth mental health, substance-use prevention, responsible behaviour and online and offline opportunities. Other activities included vocational guidance, individual skill and employability counselling for patients, and awareness of rehabilitation-linked opportunities. Three job fairs were also organised to facilitate employment opportunities.
The collaboration further seeks to facilitate tailored vocational training, with appropriate accommodations wherever required, and explore “Train and Place” and “Place and Train” models involving workplace support and industry partnerships.
Under the proposed “From Uncertainty to Direction” framework, individuals may be guided towards suitable training and employment through the National Career Service, job fairs, the Skill India Digital Hub, SWAYAM and vocational institutions, including GITI, Sector 28-C; GITI for Women, Sector 11; and Jan Shikshan Sansthan, Sector 38-C, Chandigarh.
Through SAMARTH, PGIMER and its partners aim to strengthen the link between mental health care, skill development, social inclusion and sustainable livelihood opportunities, enabling persons with mental health conditions to pursue greater independence and dignity.
