In a landmark address at the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru, President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, hailed the institution’s contributions to mental healthcare and neuroscience research. Speaking in the presence of Union Health Minister  J P Nadda and Karnataka Chief Minister  Siddaramaiah, the President underscored NIMHANS’ exemplary role in advancing mental health awareness and services across the country.

The President commended the faculty, students, and administration of NIMHANS for their unwavering dedication to mental health. She acknowledged the institute’s significant influence on India’s mental healthcare evolution, stating, "The history of NIMHANS goes back to the nineteenth century and thus the evolution of the institute affects the evolution of mental healthcare in India." The President particularly highlighted the groundbreaking Bellary model of community-based mental healthcare, which has set benchmarks for accessible mental health services nationwide. She also lauded the impact of the Tele-MANAS initiative, a tele-mental health platform with 53 centres across the country that has served nearly 70 lakh individuals in the past two years. Recognizing its transformative potential, she applauded the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for its support in expanding mental health access through technology.

One of the key moments of her speech was the recognition of NIMHANS’ international acclaim, with the institution receiving the prestigious Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion from the World Health Organization. "This recognition underscores the institution’s commitment to addressing the mental health challenges of our times," she stated, reinforcing the global significance of NIMHANS' contributions. The President further noted that initiatives like Tele-MANAS have encouraged individuals to seek mental health support more openly, helping dismantle stigma and improve accessibility to quality mental healthcare.

The President also emphasized NIMHANS’ role in integrating modern medical advancements with traditional healthcare practices like yoga and Ayurveda. This holistic approach to mental and physical wellness has enhanced patient outcomes and further solidified the institute’s standing as a global leader in mental health research. She also praised the institution’s gender inclusivity, highlighting that 79.7% of undergraduate students and 71.4% of postgraduate students at NIMHANS are women, marking a positive trend in medical education and mental health professions.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations also saw the inauguration of multiple state-of-the-art facilities, including the Psychiatry Speciality Block, Central Laboratory Complex, Bhima Hostel, Next Generation 3T MRI Scanner, and Advanced DSA System. These additions are expected to further strengthen NIMHANS’ capacity for advanced research, clinical care, and mental health training.

Union Minister Shri J P Nadda applauded NIMHANS for its tremendous growth, noting that patient footfall had increased fivefold over the decades. He acknowledged the institute’s distinction as the first NABH-accredited hospital among Institutes of National Importance and one of the top 200 hospitals worldwide. He reiterated the government’s commitment to mental healthcare through initiatives like the National Mental Health Programme and the Tele-MANAS scheme, positioning NIMHANS as a crucial hub for training mental health professionals.

Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah echoed these sentiments, recognizing NIMHANS as a symbol of excellence and hope in mental health and neurosciences. He praised the institute’s global contributions in research, clinical care, and mental health policymaking, acknowledging its role in shaping best practices worldwide.

As India continues to prioritize mental healthcare, President Murmu’s address underscored the need for continued innovation, accessibility, and integration of mental health services. With its pioneering research, international recognition, and commitment to community mental health, NIMHANS remains at the forefront of India’s healthcare landscape, driving progress in mental health awareness and treatment.