Mind Mantra – A Holistic Wellness Programme, an initiative of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) in collaboration with CREDAI Chennai Foundation and implemented by Dhruti Trust, was launched on 10 August 2026 at the Auditorium, Amma Maligai, Ripon Building, Chennai. The programme was conceived to support the physical, mental, emotional and social well-being of GCC employees and help them effectively manage the pressures associated with demanding civic responsibilities.

The programme commenced with the Welcome Address by Thiru. S. Saravanan, I.A.S., Joint Commissioner (Works), GCC, followed by the Introductory Address by Dr. Sangeetha Shanmugam, Ph.D., Program Manager, Dhruti Trust. The Mind Mantra Project Introduction was delivered by Thiru. Mehul H. Doshi, President, CREDAI Chennai, and Thiru. Suresh Arunachalam, Co -Founder, Dhruti Trust, outlining the vision and purpose of the initiative. The programme was formally inaugurated through the Inaugural Address by Dr. D.S. Sameeran, I.A.S., Commissioner, GCC.

The launch comes at an important time for GCC officials, who often work from early morning until late at night while managing development projects and providing essential civic services to nearly one crore residents. The programme therefore adopts a corporate- style workplace wellness approach within the government sector, focusing on helping officials cope with stress, fatigue, long working hours and workplace pressures.

The core Wellness Session – “Mind Mantra: Blueprint for Healthier Mind” was conducted by Dr. Sangeetha Santhosh, Ph.D., Director – Psychological Services, Dhruti Trust, and Dr. S. Divya Prabha, Ph.D., Chief Psychological Officer, Dhruti Trust. The session addressed mental health, chronic stress, work-life imbalance, burnout, digital overload, emotional and relationship challenges, and physical and mental health connections. Participants were introduced to practical wellness tools involving sleep, sunlight, movement, nutrition, social connection and stress management, along with strategies for strengthening family, relationships, physical health and career well-being.

As part of the initiative, participants were encouraged to complete the Mind Mantra Health & Wellness Index, enabling self-reflection and identification of areas requiring attention and support. A post-session feedback survey was also conducted. A total of 121 responses were received, with 52.1% participants rating the session “Very Helpful” and 43.8% rating it “Helpful.”

Participants identified stress management, work-life balance, self-care, relaxation, burnout prevention, breathing exercises and seeking help when needed among their key takeaways. The feedback also showed strong demand for future sessions on stress management (52.1%), work-life balance (46.3%), mindfulness and relaxation (30.6%), managing anger and emotions (24%) and burnout prevention (15.7%). The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Thiru. D. SenthilKumar, Public Relations Officer, GCC, acknowledging the dignitaries, partners, psychologists, organisers and participants.

Overall, Mind Mantra marks a significant step towards building a healthier and more supportive workplace culture within GCC—recognising that the well-being of employees is closely connected to the effectiveness, resilience and quality of public service. The participation of 350 officials on the first day reflects the strong relevance and reach of this initiative.