Rotary Club of Kathmandu have organized series of mental health awareness program for the benefit of community members in the RY 2025-26.
1. School Mental Health Awareness Program:
The Rotary Club of Kathmandu, in collaboration with Connection Nepal and Sambhav Inc., successfully conducted another impactful mental health awareness program at Gurukul Public School, Kathmandu on 25 July, 2025 reaching 50 students. The session was led by Rtn. Pujan Sharma, along with the committed efforts of Ms. Srijana Tiwari and Ms. Samikshya Khanal. It provided a meaningful platform to engage with students and gain insight into their thoughts and feelings about mental health. Many of their heartfelt expressions were deeply moving-a strong reminder that promoting mental well-being among students is a shared responsibility.
The sessions were led by a team of distinguished experts, including Rtn. Dr. Pradeep Pandey, Senior Psychologist Binod Paudel, Psychologist Kapil Sharma, and Psychologist Pujan Sharma. Additionally, a session on facilitation skills specific to stress management was conducted by Rtn. Sushil Kumar Karki. The training program was formally chaired by Club President Rtn. Rajendra Gautam, and was attended by club members, professionals, and invited guests. The Rotary Club of Kathmandu remains committed to promoting mental health awareness and capacity building through such impactful initiatives.
2. Two-Day Training of Trainers on Stress Management:
The Rotary Club of Kathmandu, in collaboration with Connection Nepal, successfully conducted a two-day Training of Trainers workshop on Stress Management from August 1–2, 2025, at Rotary Bhawan, Thapathali. The training aimed to empower individuals from diverse professional backgrounds to conduct stress management sessions in schools and community settings. The comprehensive training covered key areas such as:
• Understanding various forms of stress including acute, chronic, distress, and eustress • The physiological and psychological effects of stress
• The concept of resilience and its significance in daily life • Practical approaches to implementing stress management strategies in educational and community contexts
• Addressing emotional well-being and support mechanisms
3. Mental Health Awareness Program, Shree Sita Bal Bikash Secondary School, Gairigaun, Nagarjun-3
The Rotary Club of Kathmandu, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Bagmati Kathmandu and Sambhav Inc., successfully organized a School Mental Health Awareness Program at Shree Sita Bal Bikash Secondary School, Gairigaun, Nagarjun-3, Kathmandu. The program brought enthusiastic students, teachers, and staff, fostering an open dialogue on mental well-being. The school have 413 students from grade one to grade 10.
We were privileged to host insightful sessions on Addiction in Schools and Understanding Mental Health, led by:
• Rtn. Dr. Pradeep Pandey – Neuropsychiatrist & HOD, Man Mohan Memorial Medical College & Teaching Hospital
• Rtn. Pujan Sharma – Psychologist, MMTH / RC Kathmandu
• First Lady Ms. Samiksya Khanal
• Counselor Pradish Poudel
Additionally, the TOT team on Stress Management conducted an engaging session that encouraged interaction and reflection. Representing our club, Vice President Prajun Khadka graced the event and shared his support. The day featured interactive discussions, awareness-building activities, and meaningful gift sharing with the students-making the program not just educational, but also memorable and impactful. Together, let’s continue to break the stigma around mental health and work towards building a healthier, happier community
4. School Mental Health Awareness Program, Shree Belvariya Basic School, Butwal, Rupandehi
The Rotary Club of Kathmandu, in collaboration with Sambhav Inc. successfully conducted a School Mental Health Awareness Program at Belvariya Basic School, Butwal, Rupandehi on 30 November 2025. The event brought together enthusiastic students, teachers, and staff, creating a supportive environment to openly discuss mental well-being. 100 students from grades 6 to 8 were benefited making this awareness initiative especially meaningful. We were honored to host informative sessions on Addiction in Schools and Understanding Mental Health, led by the Club’s First Lady, Ms. Samikshya Khanal – Spouse of President, Rajendra Gautam.
Her engaging presentation encouraged active participation, thoughtful reflection, and honest conversations among the students and faculty. The session helped build a foundation of awareness and understanding that is essential for a healthy school environment. The day included interactive discussions, awareness-building activities, and the sharing of thoughtful gifts with the students, making the program both educational and memorable. Through this initiative, Rotary continues its commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and working toward a healthier, happier, and more informed community.
5. Awareness Session on Behavioral Addiction
The Rotary Club of Kathmandu organized an awareness session on behavioral addiction for the students of the Bachelor of Business Management program at Shanker Dev Campus on 5th December 2025. This initiative reflects Rotary’s strong commitment to promoting mental health and well-being, particularly among young people who are increasingly exposed to behavioral risks in today’s fast-paced, digitally driven world.
The session focused on raising awareness about behavioral addiction, including excessive use of digital media, gaming, social networking, and other compulsive behaviors that can negatively impact academic performance, emotional health, relationships, and future career prospects. By addressing these issues at an early stage, Rotary seeks to encourage healthier lifestyle choices, emotional resilience, self-discipline, and responsible decision-making among students.
The session was facilitated by psychologist Pujan Sharma, who provided valuable insights into the psychological aspects of behavioral addiction, its warning signs, long-term consequences, and practical strategies for prevention and management. Through interactive discussions and real-life examples, students were encouraged to reflect on their own behaviors and prioritize mental well-being.
This program aligns with Rotary’s broader vision of community service and youth development, reinforcing its belief that mental health awareness is essential for building strong individuals, responsible leaders, and a healthier, more balanced society.
