Healthy Soch
India
healthysoch
Chandigarh, May 17, 2026:
The Dr. Zakir Hussain Foundation successfully organized its 23rd Annual Meet & National Conclave under its flagship initiative Intellectual Horizons, centered on the critically relevant theme “Mental Health: Youth At Risk.” The event brought together an eminent gathering of policymakers, academicians, mental health professionals, law enforcement officials, and thought leaders to deliberate on the growing mental health challenges faced by today’s youth.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome by the President, Mr. Nadeem Raja and Vice Chairman, Mr. S.M. Tauqeer Alam who highlighted the Foundation’s enduring commitment to social upliftment since its inception in 2004. Emphasizing the guiding philosophy, “Service to humanity is service to God,” he outlined the Foundation’s impactful initiatives such as Sakhi Udaan, Shiksha Jyoti, and various community outreach programmes that have touched thousands of lives.
The ZHF Lifetime Achievement Awards were conferred upon: Padamshri Zafar Iqbal, Prof. (Dr.) Masood Husain Siddiqui, Mrs. Rekha Gupta, Prof. Suhail Sabir, and Dr. Rahat Abrar.
The Zakir Hussain Memorial Awards were presented to:
Prof. Salahuddin Qureshi, Prof. Abdul Latif, Prof. Huma Khwaja, Dr. Deenanath Yadav, Dr. Arif Mustaqueem, Mr. Sulaiman Mohd. Khan, Mrs. Reena Bhartiya, Dr. Adil Raza, Dr. Aftab Alam, Dr. Vikas Mehrotra, and Mr. Saad Hameed.
The ZHF Visionary Verve Awards were awarded to: Prof. Fatima Khan, Dr. Suboohi Rizvi, Dr. Neeta Kulshreshtha, Ms. Faryal Shadab, Dr. Sana Salim Khan, Ms. Taiba Khan, Dr. Salma Javed, and Mrs. Geetika Singh.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sajida Nadeem Khan, Co-Founder and Director of the Foundation, underscored the urgent need to address mental health challenges among youth. She emphasized that while young individuals today are full of potential, they are also navigating increasing pressures, expectations, and emotional challenges. She called for greater awareness, empathy, and collective responsibility to create supportive environments where mental well-being is prioritized.
The conclave featured an insightful panel discussion moderated by Dr. Sarah Javed, bringing together a distinguished panel including Mr. Shantanu Mukharji (Former IPS & NSA, Mauritius), Mr. Ajay Chaudhary (IPS), Dr. Prerna Kohli (Clinical Psychologist), Prof. Roomana N. Siddiqui, Prof. Salma Ahmed, Prof. Samina Khan, Dr. Suboohi Rizvi, Mrs. Rekha Gupta, Dr. Hafeezur Rahman and Mr. M. Asif Habib, among others. The panel explored critical aspects of youth mental health, including stress, digital influence, societal expectations, and the need for accessible support systems.
The discussion highlighted the importance of early intervention, open dialogue, and collaborative efforts between institutions, families, and communities to address the mental health crisis effectively.
The event also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Foundation’s leadership, including Mr. Nadeem Raja, Founder & President, and Mr. Syed Mohammad Tauqeer Alam, Vice Chairman, whose vision and dedication continue to drive the organization’s mission forward.
The programme concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Dr. Shariq Aqil and Mr. Asjad Ali Khan, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, speakers, participants, and the organizing team for making the event a resounding success.
