Open Mic and Hope Hunt

'Open Mic” & “Hope Hunt'
September 10th – World Suicide Prevention Day

On the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day, Counseling and Outreach for Peer Empowerment (COPE) Leaders of the Centre for Health and Happiness of IIIM, in collaboration with Mpower, an initiative supported by the Aditya Birla Education Trust, organized two impactful events – “Open Mic” and “Hope Hunt” – to promote mental health awareness, resilience, and community support.

The Open Mic created a safe and expressive platform where 25 students came forward to present their views and emotions through poems, stories, songs, raps, and acts. Their heartfelt performances highlighted struggles such as overthinking, stress, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, while powerfully conveying messages of hope, optimism, and the courage to seek help. Students emphasized that expressing one’s feelings is never wrong, and that openness and empathy can provide the strength to overcome life’s pressures.

On the same day, Hope Hunt added an engaging and mindful dimension to the observance. The activity featured four teams, each comprising five members, who followed clue cards across the campus. Each clue contained thoughtful and simple tasks—such as sharing a smile, practicing mindfulness, or spreading kindness—that reminded participants of the importance of positivity, resilience, and small gestures of hope. The activity fostered teamwork, joy, and a spirit of collective support.

Together, these events left a lasting impact by encouraging conversations around mental wellness, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, and reinforcing the message that no one is alone in their struggles. The COPE Community at IIIM reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing emotional wellbeing, building resilience, and inspiring hope among students.