A one-day child-friendly Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support (MHPSS) clinic for Internally Displaced Children was held today at Omba Ching, Bishnupur district. The initiative was jointly organised by the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPC), in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, RIMS; the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur; and New Life Foundation, Manipur.
Deputy Commissioner Bishnupur, Pooja Elangbam, graced the event and lauded the organisers for their thoughtful and timely intervention. She emphasized the need for similar initiatives across other relief camps in the district, highlighting the critical role such efforts play in guiding children towards a healthier and more secure future.
In her address, the DC urged parents, guardians, and teachers to nurture children with love and understanding rather than pressure them for perfection. One mistake does not define a life, she stated, encouraging a compassionate approach that fosters self-esteem and long-term development.
Smt. Pooja Elangbam also stressed the importance of strong upbringing and better educational opportunities over material needs. She appealed to caregivers to build trustworthy relationships with children to help them grow into responsible individuals.
The event was also attended by Keisam Pradipkumar, Chairperson of MCPC; Dr. S. Gojendra, HoD Psychiatry, RIMS; Dr. Sameeta Ng., HoD Clinical Psychology, RIMS and Dr. L. Pishak, Director New Life Foundation who were present as presidium members.
The MHPSS clinic session, led by a medical team from RIMS, featured mental health screening, counselling, psychological testing, and the distribution of free medicines.
In addition, sports equipment, stationery items, and blankets were distributed to the children by the dignitaries.