On Thursday, 27 November 2025, YUVA had the privilege of attending the Rotary Club of Helvetia Happiness Men’s Mental Health Symposium, held at Bharati Hall, Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI), Moka, starting at 9:30 a.m. The event, titled “It’s Not Weak to Speak — A Movember Reflection,” created a compassionate space for dialogue around a topic too often overlooked: men’s mental health.

Movember is known globally as a movement encouraging open conversations around men’s health issues, particularly mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. This symposium continued that mission by encouraging courage, vulnerability, and connection—three pillars essential for improving men’s mental well-being.

Opening the Conversation: Warmth, Welcome, and Purpose

The event opened with a heartfelt welcome speech delivered by Ms. Sapna Muddoo, who set the tone for a morning focused on empathy, awareness, and understanding. Her remarks highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in supporting men, many of whom suffer silently due to societal expectations and deep-rooted cultural norms.

Following her introduction, the audience was addressed by the Director of Schooling of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI). She spoke passionately about MGI’s diverse educational programmes and the institute’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of both students and educators. She also highlighted numerous awareness initiatives that the institute promotes, including suicide awareness programmes—a critical area considering the alarming rise in youth mental health concerns worldwide. She emphasised that building resilience and offering tools of support must begin in schools, where educators play a vital role in recognising signs of distress.

Her speech underscored three key themes that would resurface throughout the symposium:

• Understanding men and their emotional landscapes
• Strengthening relationships through empathy
• Building compassionate communities where no one suffers alone

Leadership in Action: Voices from Rotary

The programme continued with an address by Mrs. Niousha Tirvassen, President of the Rotary Club of Helvetia Happiness, whose leadership and advocacy for mental well-being were evident throughout her powerful speech. She reiterated that conversations about men’s mental health are not just timely—they are overdue. Her message called for collaborative action, reminding the audience that sustainable change requires collective commitment from institutions, families, and communities.

A Call from the Government: Breaking Taboos for a Healthier Society

One of the most anticipated moments was the address by The Honourable K. S. Sukon, Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research. His speech was both honest and thought-provoking. He reflected that *“15 years ago, panic attacks didn’t exist”—*not because they were absent, but because they went unrecognised, unnamed, and untreated. His point was clear: society must acknowledge mental health issues instead of denying or minimising them.

He emphasised the need to organise more mental health sessions for young people in Mauritius, recognising that today’s youth face unprecedented pressures—from academic expectations to social media comparisons.

Addressing the stigma associated with men seeking psychological help, he noted that men often avoid reaching out because vulnerability is perceived as weakness. This taboo, he said, must be broken if we are to build a healthier and more emotionally resilient society.

In a moment that resonated deeply with the audience, he spoke about unhealthy coping mechanisms, noting that “men often take alcohol as an escape.” He illustrated this with a humorous yet poignant Hindi expression:

“Agar sharab mein nasha hota, toh bottle bhi nachne lagti.”
(If alcohol truly had magical powers, even the bottle would start dancing.)

This was followed by a powerful metaphor capturing the impact of men’s mental struggles on their families:

“What affects the hives, affects the bees.”

This reminded everyone that when a man suffers in silence, the ripple effects touch spouses, children, colleagues, and communities.

After his speech, participants enjoyed a short refreshment break—an opportunity for networking, reflection, and heartfelt conversations sparked by the inspiring messages shared.

The Symposium: Insights, Wisdom, and Honest Dialogue

The heart of the event began as the symposium panel took the stage. Moderated by Jean Marie F. Richard, the panel brought together respected experts:

1. Kunal Naik – Psychologist
2. Sarvesh B. Dosoye – Psychologist
3. Sharuna Doyal – Specialist who has worked with 15,000 men in prisons
4. Jeevesh Augnoo – Lecturer
5. Sivaramen Subbarayan

Each speaker brought unique professional and personal insights on men’s mental health, unpacking societal expectations, cultural pressures, and internal struggles.

One of the most memorable lines came from Gautama Buddha, referenced during the discussion:

“Our mind shapes our world.”

This reminder emphasised the transformative power of thoughts—and the importance of mental training, self-awareness, and emotional regulation.

The panel also challenged the audience with deeply introspective questions such as:

“Who are you beyond your labels, roles, and responsibilities?”

Such questions encouraged attendees to reflect on identity, authenticity, and the masks men are often forced to wear.

Breaking Stereotypes: Men, Emotions, and Identity

A striking example shared by one of the panelists illustrated the invisible boundaries created by gender norms:

“There is a colour that I like, but it is not associated with men — pink.”

This simple statement highlighted the unnecessary restrictions imposed on men from childhood—how even colours, clothes, or hobbies become unfairly gendered. The panelists reminded the audience that society often tells men what they should be, instead of allowing them to simply be.

They also touched on the cultural context of Mauritius, noting that tradition remains strong. While tradition provides identity and belonging, it can also reinforce stereotypes that prevent men from seeking help or expressing emotions authentically.

An interesting observation was the growing tendency of young people to consult ChatGPT for serious medical advice, reflecting both accessibility and the challenges of navigating digital information responsibly.

The message was clear: technology can assist, but it cannot replace professional mental health support.

Another strong takeaway was:

“What you wear for one day does not change who you are.”

A reminder that external appearances do not define a person—and those superficial judgments must be let go.

Audience Engagement: Vulnerability and Courage

During the Q&A session, the moderator asked the audience a simple yet profound question:

“What do men hate?”

The answer—one spoken unanimously and without hesitation—was:

“Feeling vulnerable.”

This moment captured the essence of the symposium: encouraging men to embrace vulnerability not as a sign of weakness, but as a necessary part of healing, connection, and growth.

The panel concluded with a powerful reflection:

“Yesterday I was a fool, I wanted to change the world. Today I am a bit wiser, I am changing myself.”

A reminder that meaningful change always begins within.

Conclusion: Moving Toward a More Compassionate Mauritius

The Rotary Club of Helvetia Happiness Men’s Mental Health Symposium offered a transformative space for learning, sharing, and reflection. YUVA was honoured to participate in such a necessary and timely event.

The messages shared—breaking taboos, understanding emotional health, building stronger relationships, and fostering compassionate communities—align deeply with YUVA’s mission.

As Mauritius continues its journey toward greater mental well-being, conversations like these are not just beneficial—they are essential.

Because it is not weak to speak. It is brave, necessary, and life-changing.