Darasing Khurana Engages Singapore's PM On Mental Health Issues At Commonwealth 2024

Making strides in the field of mental health awareness, model, actor, and philanthropist Darasing Khurana recently held a significant discussion with the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lawrence Wong. This conversation took place at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 in Samoa, where Khurana was present as the Commonwealth Year of Youth Champion. During their exchange, Khurana highlighted the pressing issue of mental health in Singapore, referencing a recent report that disclosed a concerning statistic: one in three Singaporeans suffer from anxiety and depression. Furthermore, he pointed out the extensive average daily social media usage among Singaporeans, which stands at three hours.

Khurana's appointment as the Commonwealth Year of Youth Champion marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first Asian and the second individual ever to hold this distinguished position. In his new capacity, Khurana has been fervently expanding his advocacy for mental health awareness, culminating in his participation at the esteemed Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024. His invitation to this high-profile event by the Commonwealth Secretary General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, underscores the importance of his mission and the global recognition it is gaining.

During his time at the meeting, Khurana not only engaged in pivotal discussions but also moderated a session on mental health, further solidifying his commitment to the cause. His interactions extended to several high-profile leaders, including the Prime Minister of Samoa Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa, India's Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Hon. Kiran Rijiju, and British billionaire, scholar, and philanthropist Sir Nassir David Khalili. However, his conversation with Singapore's Prime Minister was especially noteworthy.

"Just one month ago, there was a report published which said that one out of three people in Singapore are suffering from anxiety and depression. The survey also said that on an average, a Singaporean spends three hours per day on social media. I discussed with him my agenda of digital detox, and I also shared with him how a holistic approach of life can solve the problem, not just in youth, but in every age group, especially in a super-fast, evolving and developing country like Singapore, where people greatly rely on technology and social media on their phones for almost everything," Khurana shared.

In addition to discussing the mental health scenario in Singapore, Khurana proposed how India could play a role in addressing these challenges. He suggested that India's rich heritage of Ayurveda and meditation could be beneficial globally and discussed the potential for a collaborative program specifically tailored for Singapore. "India has a lot of techniques like Ayurveda and meditation to offer to the world which they are adopting with open arms. But we need to sit down and discuss it in a bilateral meeting on how we can come together and create a program specially for Singapore, keeping their people in mind. He was very interested in it," Khurana elaborated.

The battle against mental health issues has seen significant progress in India over the past decade, with Khurana playing a pivotal role. His dedication is evident not only through his advocacy but also through practical initiatives like the establishment of the Pause.Breathe.Talk foundation. This organization provides therapy at affordable rates, offering a tangible solution to those seeking mental health support.

Khurana’s efforts, both at home and on the international stage, highlight the growing acknowledgment of mental health as a critical aspect of well-being. His conversation with Singapore's Prime Minister is a testament to the potential for global collaboration in tackling this pressing issue.