Venue: Nute’ Bazar, New Lamka

Organized by: Mental Health Initiative (MHI), Centre for Community Initiative (CCI)

Supported by: Petronet LNG Limited

On the evening of October 10, 2026, Mental Health Initiative (MHI), Centre for Community Initiative observed World Mental Health Day at Nute’ Bazar, New Lamka. Centered around the theme “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” the public gathering convened more than 200 community members to break the silence surrounding mental health and foster mutual empathy.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Ms. Prescilla Ngaineivah (Project Coordinator, MHI), who emphasized the collective responsibility of building emotionally resilient communities. A moving musical performance titled “Dam na ut hiam?” was presented by Chingbiakdik @ Dikdik of The Malsawm Initiative (TMI), followed by the screening of a personal video narrative capturing the lived reality of losing a loved one to mental illness highlighting why timely intervention and open conversation are matters of life and dignity.

Addressing the gathering, Rev. M. Ginminthang, Child Coordinator, Evangelical Baptist Convention (EBC), reflected on faith, despair, and compassion. He noted that even revered biblical figures experienced moments of overwhelming emotional distress, encouraging anyone facing mental health challenges not to suffer in silence, but to reach out to available resources, including professional counsellors at CCI and pastoral care systems.

The observance culminated in a solemn Candlelight Vigil led by Ms. Grace Ngainunmawi (MHI), paying tribute to lives lost to suicide and offering quiet solidarity to bereaved families. The evening closed with a collective pledge administered by Mr. LMS David (MHI), wherein attendees including representatives from Only Grace, Sunrise (Home of Hope), Zomi Riders, and the Tunnu School of Nursing resolved to actively support peers in distress and dismantle social stigmas.

Centre for Community Initiative extends its sincere gratitude to Petronet LNG Limited for their continued support in making these vital grassroots initiatives possible.

The medical camp was led by Dr. Suanlianmang Phaipi, who generously rendered his services free of cost, with skilled clinical assistance from Ms. Mawilalnunsiam, Nurse. During the check-up, learners underwent physical assessments aimed at monitoring general wellness, tracking growth parameters, and identifying early health or developmental concerns.

Preventive healthcare and timely clinical evaluations are integral to the organization's overarching goal of supporting children with disabilities through all stages of their development. The Centre for Community Initiative conveys its heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Suanlianmang Phaipi and Ms. Mawilalnunsiam for their community spirit, medical expertise, and continued support for the well-being of the children.

During the visit, both organizations outlined practical steps to assist beneficiary children and their guardians in setting up dedicated bank accounts. This initiative serves as a gateway to connect children with disabilities to vital central and state government welfare schemes, ensuring they receive applicable financial assistance, scholarships, and social security benefits without procedural bottlenecks.

Establishing direct financial access empowers families, ensures transparency, and lays the groundwork for sustained personal independence. The Centre for Community Initiative and CDC Chandel express deep appreciation to the CRISIL Foundation for partnering on this essential initiative and working together toward an inclusive community where every child receives the support they are entitled to.

Recognizing that every child has distinct developmental requirements, CDC Chandel combines several specialized services under one roof. Our instructor-led group activities foster peer interaction and cooperative play through movement and social games, while special education uses structured learning materials and developmental tools to build cognitive growth and problem-solving abilities. In speech therapy, targeted interventions work to expand vocabulary and nurture confidence in everyday communication. Alongside these, occupational therapy utilizes specialized exercises and sensory equipment to boost sensory integration, core stability, and functional independence, while hands-on physiotherapy focuses on gross motor coordination, muscle tone regulation, and mobility support.

The success of these programs rests entirely on the unwavering dedication of our special educators, therapists, and auxiliary staff at CDC Chandel. Their daily patience, expertise, and compassionate care ensure that each child receives the encouragement needed to achieve personal independence and thrive within the community.

The learning session was led by Class XII learners Chiinkhawlching and Daisy Phalthiankim, who served as resource persons. They introduced administrative staff and student interns from Rayburn College to the fundamentals of Indian Sign Language (ISL), including the alphabet, numerical signs, and essential phrases used in everyday communication.

Following the instructional session, participants and students from Level-A and above observed a scheduled "Non-verbal Communication" challenge spanning from the lunch break through the third period. During this time, speech was paused across routine interactions, encouraging everyone to rely on visual cues, gestures, and learned signs to communicate.

The initiative highlighted student leadership, fostered practical empathy among staff and interns, and reaffirmed the organization’s ongoing commitment to building accessible, inclusive environments for all.

The sessions actively engaged community barefoot counsellors to facilitate open, supportive environments for both students and educators. Discussions focused on understanding emotional wellness, adopting practical coping mechanisms, and encouraging positive peer-support practices within the school setting.

Through these school-based outreach activities, Project Mindlink continues to foster emotional resilience, reduce stigma around mental health, and nurture supportive community environments. Sincere gratitude is extended to Petronet LNG Limited for their partnership and ongoing support toward strengthening mental health and well-being in school communities.

The training focused on strengthening teaching methodologies, sharing hands-on classroom strategies, and reinforcing practices that support inclusive, learner-friendly school environments. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, teachers reflected on everyday classroom challenges and explored effective ways to support diverse learners.

The enthusiastic participation from all three schools set a positive tone for the refresher series, reaffirming a shared commitment to building stronger foundations for inclusive education in our community.

Conducted by Counsellor Chingngaihlian Tunglut, the afternoon session focused on essential strategies for personal wellbeing, emotional regulation, and stress management in high-impact work environments. Set against the peaceful backdrop of Hebron Farm, the program offered staff an intentional space to disconnect from routine tasks, engage in open reflection, and build practical tools for workplace empathy and resilience.

Key highlights of the session included:

• Practical approaches to recognizing burnout and secondary trauma
• Developing healthy coping mechanisms and emotional self-care routines
• Building supportive, mentally healthy communication channels within teams

Investing in staff mental health is fundamental to organizational sustainability. When caregivers and educators are supported with the tools to maintain their own emotional wellbeing, they are far better equipped to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to the children and communities they support.

We extend our sincere thanks to Miss Chingngaihlian Tunglut for facilitating a thoughtful, impactful session.

The session was compered by Ms. Thuamremkim and Ms. Elina Nemthianhoi (PG 3rd Semester). The morning opened with a welcome address delivered by Ms. Chinglianniang, MHC In-charge, followed by an insightful discourse from College Chaplain H. Liansuanthang titled “Theological Perspective on Suicide.” The audience was also treated to musical presentations by Ms. Chingmuankim (UG 3rd Semester, Rayburn College) and Chingbiakdik @ Dikdik (EE-III) representing TMI/CCI. Expanding on the core message of the day, Prescilla Ngaineivah, Project Coordinator for the Mental Health Initiative at CCI, addressed the gathering on critical approaches to suicide prevention and community awareness.

A major highlight of the program was the declaration of results for the “Changing the Narrative” Reel Competition, which engaged 14 registered participants who used creative digital storytelling to foster mental health conversations:

• 1st Place: Stephen Ding — ₹5,000 and Certificate
• 2nd Place: Lian John — ₹3,000 and Certificate
• 3rd Place: Melissa — ₹2,000 and Certificate
• All Participants: ₹1,000 cash prize and Certificate of Participation

In recognition of their creative collaboration, special tokens of gratitude were presented to content creators Rythmic Zomi, Erick, Rudy Vaiphei, and Zenngaihsang for their support in producing awareness video materials.

The gathering concluded with a formal vote of thanks offered by LMS David, Consultant for the Mental Health Initiative at CCI, reaffirming our shared commitment to breaking stigmas and sustaining compassionate mental health dialogue across the community.

The specialized sessions, conducted by esteemed resource person Mrs. Pallavi Kulshrestha,
Associate Director - National Partnerships, Dream a Dream are designed to equip educators, therapists, and caregivers with practical methodologies that address both the emotional and communicative needs of students with disabilities. Participants are exploring hands-on techniques to foster emotional literacy, support self-regulation, and build structured in daily classroom settings.

We express our sincere appreciation to Mrs. Pallavi for her dedication, valuable expertise, and impactful mentorship. By continually expanding our team’s capabilities, TMI ensures that every child receives nurturing, individualized support within an inclusive learning environment.

The program was smoothly compered by Jangmonchung (Class X). Reflecting the inclusive spirit of our community, continuous sign language interpretation was provided throughout the session by Paulamlun (Level C), Miss Thanching, and Daisy Phalthiankim (Class X), ensuring every segment was accessible to all attendees.

The morning opened with a warm welcome address by Tyson Lungousang (Class X), setting a tone of gratitude. A central highlight of the event was a moving poetry segment featuring an original poem composed by Elizabeth Chawngzammawi (Class XII), recited with poise by Thanggousiam (Level C).

Audiences were treated to a diverse series of special performances, including creative items from Chingbiakdik (EE III), Levels A & B, Neopi & Friends, and Only Grace Home. In addition, Khumlalven (Class XII) shared a thoughtful presentation acknowledging the steady guidance of the faculty. The floor was then opened for heartfelt words of reflection and appreciation from participants before coming together in unity for the Lord’s Prayer to close the celebration.

Teachers’ Day remains a meaningful reminder of the strong bond shared between our students and mentors. We extend our sincere gratitude to each teacher and staff member for their enduring commitment, patience, and love, and congratulate our students on hosting such an inspiring, memorable tribute.

29 October 2014 – 23 July 2026

It is with profound sadness that the Centre for Community Initiative (CCI) announces the passing of our beloved student, Mr. Damlalpawl (Pawlpawl) of Early Education Section IV, The Malsawm Initiative (TMI), on 23 July 2026.

Pawlpawl was a valued member of the TMI family whose gentle spirit, cheerful presence, and determination touched the lives of his teachers, classmates, and everyone who knew him. During his time at TMI, he made meaningful progress in his learning journey and brought joy to those around him. His memory will remain a lasting source of inspiration to our school community.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his parents, family, and loved ones during this time of grief. We pray that they find comfort, strength, and peace as they remember and celebrate his life.

Though Pawlpawl is no longer with us, he will forever remain in the hearts of the CCI and TMI family.

"Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they shared and the memories they leave behind."

Rest in eternal peace, dear Pawlpawl. You will always be remembered.