In a bid to enhance mental health in Ghana and across West Africa, a renowned humanitarian, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, has embarked on 12- day tour to assist Africans and Ghanaians with some tools to live a stress free life.
Speaking at a seminar dubbed “happiness 3.0” Mr Shankar, an Indian, said the importance of mental health could not be overemphasised in these times, stating that as per the World Mental Health Report 2022, the world was going through a global mental health crisis.
Per the report, he said nearly a billion people around the world, including millions of children and young people, had a mental health condition hence the need to equip oneself with the tools and techniques to live a happy life.
Mr Shankar who is also the founder of Art of the Living, a non-profit organisation said it was important for one to keep a balanced mind at all times in order to accept varying situations and also have room for change.
He mentioned that one should be ready to easily forgive and forget as well as move on with life saying that “anger was the punishment you give yourself for someone else’s mistake.”
He stated that emotional wellbeing was equally important as one’s physical wellbeing, adding that was necessary for one to keep a proper mental balance.
The renowned humanitarian urged Ghanaians not to look down on the opinion of others, but they should be ready to accept the views of others on any issue, saying that they should also stay in the present and not live in the past.
Mr Shankarled some section of Ghanaians and the Indian community through 27 minutes of meditation for them to relax their mind and their nerves.
At the event, he presented the Art of the Living awards to the Rebecca Foundation, Plastic Punch, and Hacklab for their contributions to humanity and the environment.
Some personalities present at the event were the Indian High Commissioner, Mr Sugangh Rajaram, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Herbert Krapa,
The Deputy Minister of Health, Alhaji Mahama Asei Saini; Director TPMC- Ministry of Health, Dr (Mrs) Anastasia Yirenkyi,
Also present were Nana Annor Amihere II and, Deputy Country Representative for UNICEF Mr Fiachra McAsey.
BY JEMIMA ESINAM KUATSINU
