Man and His Symbols.

“Language in its origin and essence is simply a system of signs and symbols that denote real occurrence or their echo in the human soul”

- Carl Jung.

This very language, not necessarily through the sophistication of words or pronunciations, but through its strength and ease to communicate ideas and emotions, carries its culture (like a vehicle carrying its passengers)! We just celebrated one of the most auspicious days of the Indian subcontinent- Dussehra or the Vijayadashami.

From Mahishasura to Dashanana seem to have breathed their last on this day and everyone celebrates this very feeling of ‘victory of good over evil coming our way from all ten directions’ (Dash-hara). The reason why Dussehra resonates with all of us is because it ‘echoes’ optimism and harvests a tiny seed of hope!

‘MOUJ’ (fun, enjoyment in Marathi)- the developmental theory focused curricularised, classroom oriented activity based comprehensive school counselling program reaching 6000 students of Nandadeep Vidyalay, Goregaon; Dahisar Vidya Mandir, Dahisar (and likely to reach 7500 students by next academic year) tries to sow this symbolic seed of hope. MOUJ tries to kill the ‘दश- demons’- vices- within the mind viz. jealousy, hatred, arrogance, greed, lethargy, anger, despair, impulsivity, ethnocentricism, and indecisiveness. How often does one see, ‘decibelling’, drum thumping ,muscle flexing, war mongering interpretation of festivities all over the world silencing the “good” in God?

Jalaluddin Rumi, great Persian poet, said,” Silence is the language of God, rest is poor translation!” At Centre for Mental Health Advocacy, Research and Treatment Services- (CMHARTS), we translate His voice a tad differently! ✨

-Ashish Deshpande