Abhyas

15/10/2026

13/10/2026

At Mental Wellbeing for All 2026, Sujitha Sekharan, International Operations Manager, UNDP-Mauritius United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Mauritius and Seychelles, spoke about the importance of listening to lived experiences and creating communities where everyone feels heard, supported, and valued.

Highlighting the stigma that continues to surround mental health, she reminded us that behind every person is a story, a voice, and an experience that deserves to be understood.

“Real voices can bring real change.”

Her message calls for a shift from listening to understanding, from understanding to engagement, and from engagement to meaningful change. Mental health is not merely a personal matter; it is a shared responsibility.

As we continue the dialogue on mental wellbeing, let us speak less, listen more, and work towards a society where no one is left behind.

Mental Wellbeing for All 2026
Theme: Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change

Organised by Abhyas Institute of Universal Awareness, in collaboration with Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture Mauritius

12/10/2026

What changes when we truly listen to one another?

What began in 2025 as a national initiative to bring people together around mental health and well-being in Mauritius is now extending beyond national boundaries, opening opportunities for global exchange, shared learning and collaboration.

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, Mental Well-being for All 2026, held under the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” brought together diverse voices from across Mauritian society to reflect on the importance of listening to lived experiences and translating understanding into meaningful action.

This year marked an important step in that journey, with students from the Universityofeastlondon joining the programme through their Global Mobility Programme with Abhyas UK, alongside their engagement in civic services in Mauritius.

From healthcare and education to rehabilitation, workplaces and communities, the gathering highlighted that mental well-being concerns every part of society. Through dialogue, shared experiences, creative performances and meaningful connections, it created space for ideas to meet and collaborations to begin.

Organised by Abhyas Institute of Universal Awareness in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture, the conference continues the journey initiated in 2025, strengthening connections across sectors, communities and now national boundaries.

Because mental well-being is a shared responsibility. And meaningful change begins when we listen, understand and work together.

07/10/2026

Mental Well-being Begins with Listening

In this excerpt, Dr. Geeta Devi Dorkhy, who served at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, reflects on what leadership and empowerment mean in the context of mental well-being.

She reminds us that leadership is not simply about positions or policies. It is found in everyday acts of listening, caring and supporting others. Empowerment means giving people the tools, trust and confidence to care for themselves and for one another.

As Mauritius continues to face growing mental health challenges, she emphasises the importance of valuing prevention alongside treatment, while recognising the dignity, worth and lived experiences of every individual.

Mental well-being is ultimately about more than the absence of illness. It is about connection, dignity, belonging and ensuring that no one has to face their struggles alone.

The message is simple but powerful: when leadership meets compassion, and when communities come together to listen and act, we can create lasting ripples of well-being across the nation.

What could change if we truly listened to what people need?

Join Mental Wellbeing for All 2026

Sunday, 11 October 2026
2:15 PM – 5:15 PM
IGCIC, Vacoas-Phoenix

RSVP: https://lnkd.in/dSM6guiM

Register: https://lnkd.in/djziqXNc

04/10/2026

Are we using technology, or is technology using us?

In this excerpt, Mr. Avinash Meetoo, Director of Knowledge7 and former Head of Experimentation at the UNDP Accelerator Lab, explores how Artificial Intelligence can become an extension of the human mind rather than a replacement for human potential. But as technology becomes increasingly embedded in our lives, he asks us to consider its impact on loneliness, anxiety, social connection and our sense of self-worth.

The conversation comes back to one essential idea: technology will continue to evolve, but our ability to use it consciously must evolve with it.

What does it mean to be mentally healthy in a digital society?

Join Mental Wellbeing for All 2026

Sunday, 11 October 2026
IGCIC, Vacoas-Phoenix
From 2:15 PM onwards

RSVP:** https://lnkd.in/dSM6guiM
Register:** https://lnkd.in/djziqXNc

30/09/2026

What is addiction? Is it simply a behavioural problem, or is there something deeper that we need to understand?

In this address, **Dr. Dharmesh from the Harm Reduction Unit, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Mauritius**, explores addiction as a complex issue involving medical, psychological and social dimensions.

He highlights the importance of looking beyond the visible behaviour and recognising that substance use may exist alongside challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and other mental health concerns.

Drawing on the **bio psychosocial approach**, Dr. Dharmesh explains why addiction management requires more than detoxification or medication alone, and why medical professionals, psychologists, psychiatrists and social support systems all have an important role to play.

The discussion also explores the relationship between **mind and body** and how Yog may contribute to a more comprehensive approach to well-being and recovery.

This conversation was part of **Mental Well-being for All 2025**, organised by Abhyas, bringing together perspectives from health, mental well-being and community support to encourage a more informed and compassionate understanding of addiction.

*Join Mental Wellbeing for All 2026*
📅 Sunday, 11 October 2026
📍 IGCIC, Vacoas-Phoenix
🕑 From 2:15 PM onwards

RSVP:** https://lnkd.in/dSM6guiM
Register:** https://lnkd.in/djziqXNc

29/09/2026

Last year, in her address on **Mental Well-being for All**, Hon. Junior Minister Junior of Health and Wellness, Mrs Anishta Babooram reflects on the importance of understanding mental well-being beyond visible behaviour and social judgments.

Drawing on insights from *Change Your Brain, Change Your Life* by Dr. Daniel Amen and the story of Abraham Lincoln, the address explores the relationship between the brain, behaviour and mental health, while emphasising the need for greater awareness and access to appropriate support.

The address also highlights the Government of Mauritius’ efforts to establish an **AYUSH Centre**, bringing together Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy as complementary approaches to health and well-being.

As the pressures of modern life continue to grow, creating spaces for open conversations around mental well-being becomes increasingly important.

**Join Mental Wellbeing for All 2026**
📅 Sunday, 11 October 2026
📍 IGCIC, Vacoas-Phoenix
🕑 From 2:15 PM onwards

RSVP:** https://lnkd.in/dSM6guiM
Register:** https://lnkd.in/djziqXNc

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14/09/2026

A meaningful step towards bringing the understanding of Ayurveda closer to the community. 🌿

Abhyas Universal Institute was pleased to collaborate with the AYUSH Information Cell, High Commission of India, and the University of Mauritius for the community awareness programme on “Ayurveda for the Prevention and Supportive Management of Chronic Diseases”, held at Roche Noire Village Hall on 13 September 2026.

We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of an initiative that encourages greater awareness around prevention, healthy living and informed choices, and for the encouraging response from the Roche Noire community.

Our sincere appreciation to the India in Mauritius (High Commission of India, Port Louis), AYUSH Information Cell, University of Mauritius, Dr Pooja Sabharwal, and all those who contributed to making the programme meaningful.

Continuing to learn, share and bring practical knowledge closer to communities across Mauritius.

06/09/2026

A mother is called a mother because of a child.
The earth without trees, without ‘the flora & fauna’, is a mother without a child which is just impossible.
When she does not exist, do we as humans?

29/08/2026

Know Ayurveda – Community Awareness Programme

Abhyas Institute of Universal Awareness, in collaboration with the AYUSH Information Cell, India in Mauritius (High Commission of India, Port Louis), and in support of the Village Council of Dagotière, successfully organised the “Know Ayurveda” Community Awareness Programme on 26 August 2026 at the Dagotière Multi-Purpose Hall.

The programme aimed to promote awareness around **Ayurveda, healthy living, preventive healthcare, and the importance of early awareness of chronic health conditions** within the community.

Key Awareness Sessions
Cancer Awareness – Dr. Pooja Sabharwal
Diabetes Awareness– Dr. Rhitambhrasoburrun-Gopaul
Skin Health & Ayurveda– Dr. Tiruvuru Raghu Ram

The initiative brought together healthcare professionals, community members and local stakeholders, creating a meaningful space for learning, dialogue and greater awareness of preventive and holistic approaches to wellbeing.

A heartfelt thank you to the AYUSH Information Cell, High Commission of India, the Village Council of Dagotière, our healthcare professionals, community members and everyone who contributed to making this initiative meaningful and impactful.

Abhyas Institute of Universal Awareness