The Khudi Wellness Carnival 2026 concluded at Greenwich University Campus, Karachi, with a focus on mental health awareness, social inclusion and community wellbeing. Held to commemorate World Mental Health Day, the two-day event brought together healthcare practitioners, academics, mental health professionals, students, social organisations and wellness advocates under the theme “Better Minds, Brighter Futures.”
Organised by Khudi Wellness in collaboration with Thrive School of Psychology and Greenwich University, the Carnival promoted preventive mental health, emotional wellbeing and community engagement through panel discussions, interactive activities and opportunities to connect with organisations working across the wellness sector.
The initiative highlighted the importance of making mental health awareness part of everyday life, including within families, educational institutions, workplaces and communities, rather than addressing it only during a crisis.
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Parenting and Youth Mental Health in Focus
A major highlight was the panel discussion, “Parenting: Understanding Youth Issues — Bridging the Generation Gap,” moderated by Sarwat N. Shah, founder of Khudi Wellness and author of Smart Parents Handbook.
The discussion featured Professor Shaista Effendi, Dr Minhaj Qidwai, Mufti Abu Talha and DG Honnak Baloch. The speakers examined challenges facing young people and discussed the importance of communication, emotional safety, early intervention and coordinated support for families.
The panel emphasised the need to look beyond young people’s behaviour to understand underlying emotional and psychological concerns. Speakers also highlighted the role of parents and institutions in responding with empathy, awareness and responsibility.
The discussion extended to preventive mental health, policy development, disability inclusion and holistic approaches to wellbeing.
Survivors Share Stories of Resilience
A special session on Resilience and Determination featured Ahmer Iqbal, an acid-attack survivor, and Marjan Mashaddi, a burn survivor.
Their participation highlighted the importance of dignity, social acceptance and respectful spaces where people can share their lived experiences. The session also drew attention to the challenges survivors may face in rebuilding their lives and finding acceptance within society.
The programme reinforced the importance of compassion and inclusion in conversations about recovery, emotional wellbeing and social support.
Spirituality and Holistic Development
The Carnival also featured a fireside chat titled “Holistic Development: The Spiritual Dimension of Growth.” Researcher and writer Hamza hosted the conversation with Dr Irfan Qamruddin, author of Unblinded.
The discussion explored how spirituality, personal values and a sense of purpose can contribute to personal development and overall wellbeing.
Other sessions addressed employee wellbeing, breast cancer awareness, the mental health needs of patients and caregivers, and environmental wellness. Tree plantation activities also connected community wellbeing with environmental responsibility.
Interactive Activities and Wellness Showcase
A complimentary Wellness Showcase introduced participants to professionals and initiatives working in mental health and artificial intelligence, smile therapy, inclusive care, youth wellness, healthy ageing and digital therapy.
A community Drum Circle led by Mohsin Kazi offered participants an opportunity to engage in a shared activity centred on participation and connection.
The outdoor Carnival brought together social initiatives, student projects, wellness providers, participating organisations and food vendors. The space encouraged visitors to explore services, exchange ideas and connect with groups working to improve community wellbeing.
Khudi Wellness Calls for Preventive and Inclusive Care
Speaking about the initiative, Sarwat N. Shah emphasised the need to make mental health support preventive, practical and inclusive.
“Our vision is to move mental health from the margins into everyday life—from stigma to understanding, from reactive treatment to prevention, and from individual struggle to collective responsibility,” she said.
Shah added that the initiative aimed to build a culture in which people value emotional wellbeing, seek help without shame and feel heard, supported and included.
The organising teams from Thrive School of Psychology and Greenwich University also acknowledged the collaboration and thanked the Carnival’s sponsor, Almaraya Water, along with supporting partners Plant a Million, Dr Essa Laboratory & Diagnostic Centre, Honest Foods and Artistic Towels.
They also recognised the contributions of speakers, participating organisations, stallholders, students, volunteers and visitors.
The Khudi Wellness Carnival 2026 concluded with a call for continued cooperation across psychology, healthcare, education, parenting, environmental responsibility and social inclusion. Its broader aim is to extend conversations beyond the event and encourage practical steps towards healthier families, stronger communities and a more compassionate society.
About Khudi Wellness
Khudi Wellness is a mental health and wellbeing initiative founded by Sarwat N. Shah. It focuses on preventive mental health, emotional awareness, family wellbeing, inclusion and community engagement through educational activities, public discussions and collaborative programmes.
