Filmmaker Prakash Jha Implores Common Man To Take Mental Health Seriously
Filmmaker Prakash Jha came out in support of mental health warriors at the fourth edition of the Restore Awards held at Taj Lands End in Mumbai on Sunday.
In the event Jha said, “It's time to treat mental health at par with physical health. When you have an accident, heart attack, you run to the doctor. But when we have an emotional breakdown, we hush it. Unmute yourself.”
While lighting the inauguration lamp at the awards ceremony, which recognises and celebrates mental health warriors, healers, doctors, sustainability entrepreneurs, Jha explained, “These awards are the catalyst between those struggling with emotional health issues, often without family support, and therapists, doctors who are doing impactful work in the space of mental wellbeing. With my presence, I support and applaud these on-ground angels impacting their communities."
“It just took one email from us for him to agree to stand for this cause and be our chief guest at the awards,” said Rachna Chhachhi, cancer nutrition expert and founder, The Restore Awards. “Normally, we have had been told celebrities charge but Prakashji immediately agreed because the cause is bigger than any of us.”
Presented by Ageas Federal Life Insurance, and with sponsor partners like Tetley, House of Abhinandan Lodha and Metropolis labs, who have made this non-profit cause possible, the number of global nominations this year crossed 2000 and the jury had a tough task in deciding only 11 winners.
The awards are broadcast to 300,000 people live across various social media platforms, giving mental health nominees and winners a platform for their impactful work.
Some of the winners include Karan Shah, a 24 year old wheelchair bound muscular dystrophy patient, who is pushing BMC to make wheelchair friendly toilets in public places;
Dr Deepti Pinto Rosario, a gynaecologist who, after hospital and clinical hours, works hard to spread awareness and dispel myths for women's health - sexual health, puberty, adolescent health, reproductive years, postpartum, and menopause; and Chaise Freidman, Los Angeles-based warrior who became paralysed neck downwards and within a span of two years, and defied the diagnosis of his doctors that he would never be able to walk again.
