VARTAH-A NATIONAL COUNSELOR SUMMIT
(JULY 25 & 26, 2025)
The “Vartah” summit held at GD Goenka University on the 25th and 26th of July’2025, in collaboration with Fortis Hospital was a dynamic and enriching two-day gathering of counselors from across India. The summit created a powerful platform to explore the evolving mental health landscape, especially in the context of media and digital influence on youth. The first day opened with an insightful session by Dr. Samir Parikh, who emphasized the media’s impact on mental well-being and the need for responsible narratives. This was followed by an engaging panel featuring Dr. Manushree, Dr. Bhuvik, and Roshni Sondhi, who delved into the rising concern of digital addictions, discussing both prevention and intervention strategies. The day concluded with Ms. Geetika’s thought-provoking session on media literacy, urging participants to reflect on the kind of content young minds are consuming.
The second day deepened the discourse, beginning with Ms. Mimansa’s talk on the crucial role of parental mediation in the digital age, stressing the importance of guided online presence for children. Dr. Kamna Chhibber took the conversation forward by unpacking how media subtly but powerfully shapes body image and self-esteem, especially among adolescents. The summit culminated with a stimulating session by Dr. Mantosh, Ms. Stuti Sood, and Ms. Nishtha Narula, who explored youth behaviour through the lens of conformity, individuality, trends, and social challenges.
“Vartah” was more than a summit—it was a dialogue, a much-needed pause to reflect on the psychological shifts driven by media, and a reminder of the critical role mental health professionals play in shaping a more aware and resilient generation.
