Induction Program on Mental Health: Your Competitive Advantage

Gnanam School of Business organized an engaging and insightful session on “Mental Health – Your Competitive Advantage” for the MBA Maslow Batch 1st Year students. The session was conducted by Dr. Marie Anne Rosario, who interacted with the students and highlighted the importance of mental well-being in personal development, academic performance and professional life.

The session began with an introduction to the importance of maintaining good mental health while pursuing higher education and preparing for a professional career. Dr. Marie Anne Rosario encouraged students to understand that mental well-being is an essential part of overall development and should receive the same importance as academic knowledge and professional skills.

During the session, the resource person discussed how students may experience different forms of pressure during their academic journey, including academic expectations, time management, competition, interpersonal relationships and uncertainty about their future careers. Students were encouraged to recognize such pressures and develop healthy ways of responding to them.

A key focus of the session was the connection between mental health and competitive advantage. Dr. Marie Anne Rosario explained that individuals who are able to understand themselves, manage pressure and maintain emotional balance can develop greater confidence and effectiveness in challenging situations. Mental well-being can therefore contribute to better decision-making, productivity, communication and interpersonal relationships.

The session also encouraged students to develop self-awareness. Students were motivated to understand their emotions, identify factors that affect their mental well-being and recognize the importance of taking appropriate breaks and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. The discussion highlighted that acknowledging one’s feelings and seeking support when required are important aspects of maintaining well-being.

The interaction with the students made the programme more meaningful and engaging. Students were given an opportunity to reflect on their own experiences, understand the importance of emotional balance and consider practical ways of managing academic and personal pressures. The session created an open and supportive learning environment where students could think about mental health from both personal and professional perspectives.

Dr. Marie Anne Rosario also highlighted the importance of developing a positive approach towards challenges. For MBA students, mental well-being can play an important role in developing leadership qualities, handling workplace pressure, working effectively in teams and making responsible decisions. The session helped students understand that professional success is not determined only by technical knowledge and academic performance but also by the ability to maintain personal well-being and handle challenging situations effectively.