Pune: The elephant in the room cannot go unrecognised. A study by the International Labour Organisation has reported that one out of two young people around the globe is now subject to depression.
The government of various nations are providing online training to healthcare workers to address mental health issues. Some also built websites to aid those unable to cope with the psychological consequences. But many think this is a case of too little, too late.
Now, if you are in Pune and if you are taking a stroll at FC Road (Fergusson College), one can see a young boy holding a poster which read, "Tell Me Your Story and I Will Give You 10 Rupees"!
Meet Raj Vinayak Dagwar, a rising social media star who is pursuing a computer engineering from PICT (Pune Institute of Computer Technology, Katraj). He stands at FC Road on the weekends with a board in his hand. He speaks kindly to those who approach him and helps them express their feelings by simply listening to them.
Depression and loneliness are more prevalent during recent days amid the COVID-19 lockdown. Many have even died a suicide. Raj felt the same loneliness and depression and wanted to speak it out. He once saw a photograph of a foreigner on social media platform saying 'Tell Me Your Story and I Will Give You 1 Dollar'. The idea clicked in his mind, and Raj decided to plan the same for his city.
He says, "Right now people are very depressed and feeling lonely, resulting in wrong thoughts running in their mind. I talk to them for a while but when I listened to them, I can understand that those who are narrating their tale are feeling free. I just have to give people a little time for that."
He adds, "People who talk to me are very depressed. Some people don't know anything, they don't want to go home. But sharing the essence of your mind with a stranger for a while reduces the stress on their mind."
His efforts are well received by the Puneities. Many have complimented him by taking photographs with him and posting them on social media.
Isn't it a novel gesture?