An Awareness Programme on “Child Marriage and the Invisible Scars on Mental Health” was successfully organised on 24th December 2025 at Nanda Nath Saikia College. The programme aimed to create awareness among students about the psychological, emotional, and social consequences of child marriage and to sensitise them towards issues related to mental health and overall well-being.

The programme was graced by Dr. Suvangshu Dutta, Principal, Nanda Nath Saikia College, who presided over the session. In his address, Dr. Dutta highlighted the crucial role of educational institutions in addressing pressing social issues such as child marriage. He emphasised that awareness, education, and collective social responsibility are essential in safeguarding the rights, dignity, and mental health of children and adolescents.

The theme of the programme was addressed and elaborated by Dr. Monikha Saikia, Head of the Department of Education, who also led the programme. In her insightful address, Dr. Saikia discussed child marriage as a serious social evil and explained its long-term impact on mental health, particularly among adolescents. She highlighted issues such as anxiety, depression, emotional trauma, low self-esteem, and the disruption of education and personal development caused by early marriage. She further stressed the importance of education, community participation, and legal awareness in preventing child marriage and promoting mental well-being.

As part of the programme, Ms. Mayuri Das, Assistant Professor, Department of Education, delivered a special lecture on adolescent mental health in relation to the theme. In her lecture, she discussed the psychological challenges faced during adolescence, especially when compounded by social practices like child marriage. She elaborated on various mental health issues such as stress, anxiety disorders, depression, identity crisis, emotional instability, and trauma. She also emphasised the need for emotional support systems, counselling, awareness of mental health services, and the role of teachers and families in fostering a healthy mental environment for adolescents.

To reinforce the message of the programme, the students collectively took an oath, pledging to oppose child marriage, spread awareness in their communities, and uphold the rights and mental well-being of children and adolescents.

A good number of students along with faculty members attended the programme, making it a meaningful and impactful event. The awareness programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Dimpal Das, who expressed her sincere gratitude to the principal, the speakers, faculty members, organising committee, and students for their cooperation and active participation in making the programme a success.

Overall, the programme proved to be highly beneficial in raising awareness about child marriage and its adverse effects on mental health, reflecting the college’s commitment to social awareness, mental health promotion, and holistic education.