Youth Circle Dialogue: Reflecting on Mental Health, Identity, and Co-existential Living

By Kashish Aastha, Ishita Ahuja, and Tanya 

On April 7, 2025, GPF India organized a thought-provoking event titled Youth Circle Dialogue at its headquarters in Saket, New Delhi. The session focused on Mental Health and Personality Development through the lens of Co-existential Philosophy. With 14 to 15 enthusiastic participants spanning multiple generations, this short group discussion offered a unique blend of youthful energy and seasoned wisdom. 

The event commenced with an inspiring welcome address by Dr. Markandey Rai, Chairman of GPF India. He set the tone by emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to well-being. Dr. Rai then introduced the speaker of the day, Mrs. Sunita Pathak, a leading thinker, founder of Stushi – A Group of Women Scholars, an Aacharya and expert in Madhyasth Darshan, and the author of "Women as a Human." 

Mrs. Pathak engaged the audience with her insightful perspectives on multiple dimensions of life. She emphasized that well-being is multi-faceted, encompassing mental, physical, economic, and spiritual health, all of which must be understood and nurtured holistically. She posed deep questions about how we perceive ourselves—whether as men or women, wise or ignorant, rich or poor—and how these perceptions shape our actions and biases. She also discussed the vital distinction between beliefs and trust, highlighting the importance of trusting oneself to overcome mental health challenges and to develop a sound personality. Mrs. Pathak encouraged living in harmony with one another and with nature, urging the youth to reflect on their thoughts, aspirations, and the directions they lead, thereby underlining the significance of awareness and purpose in life. 

Another important aspect of her talk was environmental harmony. She addressed the imbalance in nature and its role in the rise of global temperatures, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable living practices such as organic (jaivik) farming. Furthermore, she spoke about the breakdown of the family system and questioned why nurturing and caring responsibilities often fall solely on women. Her reflections sparked an engaging discussion on the importance of shared responsibilities and the need to challenge traditional gender roles. 

The motto of the event—“Keeping awareness about healthy life”—was beautifully echoed in every discussion. Dr. Rai emphasized the importance of creating awareness in India about sustainable practices and highlighted how concepts like Jeevan Vidya (the art of living) can guide individuals toward a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. 

The session saw active participation from prominent thinkers such as Dr. Surendra Pathak, Dr. Vidyananda Pandey, Mr. Ajit Singh, and Mr. K.P. Singh, who shared actionable insights on building societal harmony. Mr. Ritwik Trivedi, a PhD scholar from Delhi University, raised poignant questions about modern challenges, sparking meaningful discussions among the speakers and youth participants alike. The youth brought vibrant energy and fresh perspectives to the conversation, discussing the deep connections between self-awareness, societal norms, and personal transformation. 

The event was not just about listening—it was about thinking, questioning, and evolving. The dialogue was rooted in the idea that before changing the world, we must first understand ourselves. As Mrs. Pathak eloquently put it, “We must reflect on our own identity and beliefs—only then can we contribute meaningfully to society.” 

In conclusion, the Youth Circle Dialogue served as a powerful reminder that awareness, trust, and thoughtful action can pave the way toward a peaceful and prosperous life. With voices from across generations joining together, it planted seeds of introspection, collective growth, and hope for a harmonious future.