Shaping the Future of Stress and Wellbeing: Annantaa Calls for a More Human Approach to Work

Shaping the Future of Stress and Wellbeing: Annantaa Calls for a More Human Approach to Work

Kolkata, 4 November 2026: Annantaa, a pioneering mental and emotional wellness centre, highlights the importance of recognising and managing stress in everyday life on the occasion of National Stress Awareness Day. Associated with Carole Spiers, Chairperson of the International Stress Management Association (ISMA UK), the day encourages people and organisations to pause and reflect on how stress affects their lives and how they can manage it better. Through its focus on early identification, timely intervention and creating emotionally safe and inclusive environments, Annantaa emphasises that mental well-being should not be an individual’s responsibility alone. Families, educational institutions, workplaces and communities all have an important role to play in creating an environment where people feel understood, supported and comfortable seeking help when they need it.
Founded by Ms. Madhuri Sarda, Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, Annantaa works towards making mental and emotional well-being a natural part of everyday life. Along with Vidhi Bansal, Co-Founder and Psychotherapist, she believes in the importance of recognising emotional difficulties early, encouraging people to seek support when they need it, and creating spaces where they feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgement. Through their work, the founders aim to make conversations around mental health more open and approachable, helping people understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but an important step towards better well-being.
The theme for this year, “Shaping the Future of Stress and Wellbeing: Rehumanising the Workplace,” highlights the importance of putting people and their well-being at the centre of professional life. With growing work pressure, changing expectations and the increasing role of technology, workplaces need to look beyond deadlines and productivity and pay attention to how employees feel. A supportive work environment, where people can speak openly, maintain a healthy work-life balance and ask for help without fear of judgement, can make a meaningful difference. Rehumanising the workplace does not mean compromising professional goals; it means recognising that people perform better when they feel valued, respected and supported. For Annantaa, this theme reflects the need to make emotional well-being an integral part of workplace culture rather than treating stress as something individuals must manage on their own.
The importance of this year’s theme is also reflected in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) findings on mental health at work. According to the WHO, excessive workloads, long or inflexible working hours, limited control over work, discrimination and inadequate support can all affect mental well-being. These challenges highlight why stress management needs more than individual coping strategies; organisations also need to create healthier and more supportive working conditions. Annantaa emphasises the importance of recognising these concerns early, encouraging open conversations about mental health and ensuring that employees feel comfortable seeking support when they need it. By making well-being a shared responsibility, workplaces can take meaningful steps towards building a healthier, more understanding and sustainable work culture.
The scale of workplace stress is a growing concern worldwide, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that depression and anxiety lead to the loss of 12 billion working days every year, costing the global economy approximately US$1 trillion in lost productivity. These figures highlight the importance of recognising mental health concerns early and creating supportive environments where people can seek help. In India, the concern is equally relevant, with Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace: 2026 Report finding that 28% of employees experience significant stress for much of the previous day, while a 2024 UKG Workforce Institute study reports that 78% of employees in India experience some form of job burnout. These findings underline the need for workplaces to look beyond productivity and make employee well-being, manageable workloads and access to appropriate support a greater priority.
In West Bengal, research highlights the importance of strengthening mental health awareness and access to timely support. A study published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry in December 2023, based on the National Mental Health Survey of India 2015–16, estimates that 13.07% of the surveyed population in West Bengal experiences a current mental disorder, compared with the national weighted average of 10.56%. While this study does not provide a Kolkata-specific estimate or measure workplace stress, it offers important regional context for understanding mental health needs. For Annantaa, these findings reinforce the need to make conversations around mental and emotional well-being more accessible, encourage people to seek professional support when needed, and create environments where individuals feel comfortable speaking about their concerns without fear of judgement.
Unlike Stress Awareness Month, which is observed throughout April, National Stress Awareness Day offers a dedicated opportunity to talk about stress and encourage people to take practical steps towards managing it. For Annantaa, the day is a reminder that stress should not simply be accepted as a part of everyday life, whether it stems from work, academic pressure, family responsibilities or personal challenges. When left unaddressed, prolonged stress can affect sleep, concentration, relationships and overall emotional and physical well-being. Annantaa therefore emphasises the importance of recognising the early signs of stress, making mental health conversations more open and ensuring that people feel comfortable seeking support without fear of judgement.
Speaking on the significance of National Stress Awareness Day and this year’s theme, “Shaping the Future of Stress and Wellbeing: Rehumanising the Workplace,” Ms. Madhuri Sarda says, “Stress has become such a normal part of our daily lives that we often overlook its impact on our well-being. It is important to recognise that behind every professional role is a person with emotions, challenges and individual needs. We need to create workplaces where people feel valued beyond their productivity, where seeking support is encouraged and where mental well-being receives the attention it deserves. At Annantaa, we believe that recognising stress early and encouraging open conversations are important steps towards building a healthier and more compassionate society.” Speaking about the importance of recognising and managing stress, Vidhi Bansal says, “National Stress Awareness Day reminds us that people experience and respond to stress differently, and not everyone finds it easy to express what they are going through. Many continue to deal with emotional exhaustion and constant pressure because they feel they have to manage everything on their own. This is why supportive environments, whether at work, at home or in educational institutions, are so important. Rehumanising the workplace begins with listening without judgement, understanding individual needs and making people feel comfortable asking for help. At Annantaa, we emphasise early identification and timely support so that individuals feel heard and understood before stress begins to take a greater toll on their well-being.”
As conversations around stress and mental health continue to gain importance, Annantaa emphasises the need to move beyond awareness and take meaningful steps towards creating a more supportive environment for everyone. Recognising the early signs of stress, encouraging open conversations and making professional support accessible are important steps towards better mental and emotional well-being. Whether at work, at home or in educational settings, people deserve to feel heard, understood and supported without fear of judgement. Through its commitment to early identification, timely intervention and emotionally safe and inclusive environments, Annantaa advocates a more compassionate approach to well-being, where caring for mental health becomes a shared responsibility rather than an individual struggle.

নাট্য পর্যালোচনা: সুটকেস

নাট্য পর্যালোচনা:
সুটকেস

আমরা প্রতিনিয়ত ছুটে চলেছি এক একটা সুটকেস হাতে, ভেতরে কি আছে না দেখেই ; এক গোপন আকাঙ্ক্ষায়-আশঙ্কার চোরাবালিতে! সম্প্রতি মুক্তাঙ্গনে ক্যালকাটা কোরাস থিয়েটারের প্রযোজনায় মঞ্চস্থ হল বাদল সরকারের তৃতীয় ধারার বিখ্যাত নাটক সুটকেস। নতুন আঙ্গিকে। বর্তমানে কোলকাতা জুড়ে নাটকের একটা ধারা-প্রতিযোগিতা চলছে – চটকদার, শারীরিক কর্ষদধর্মী নাট্য উপস্থাপনায়; সেই সময়ে দাঁড়িয়ে নিস্তব্ধতার আকুতির মাঝে সম্পর্কের মনস্তাত্ত্বিক টানাপোড়েন এই নাটক।

    শ্যামল-পারুল-অবনী আর সুটকেস ! নাটকের শুরুতে দেখা যায় শ্যামল বিপদে পড়ে একটি সুটকেস হাতে বন্ধু অবনীর বাড়িতে এসেছে সেটি রাখতে। অবনীর স্ত্রী পারুল ও একে অপরের বন্ধু। সংসার জীবনের ব্যস্ততা, আদর্শগত জীবনধারার কারণে এখন আর খুব বেশি যোগাযোগ নেই দুই বন্ধুর মাঝে। শ্যামলের প্রতি পারুলের পূর্বের মুগ্ধতা বজায় থাকলেও প্রাক-স্বাধীনতা উত্তাল সময়ে স্বামীর অনুপস্থিতিতে সুটকেস রাখতে অস্বীকার করে। শ্যামলের চমক ভাঙ্গে। কোনক্রমে জোর করে সুটকেস রেখে বাড়ি থেকে বেরিয়ে যায়। ইতিমধ্যে অফিস থেকে ফিরে আসে অবনী। ঘরের কোণে চাবি বন্ধ সুটকেস দেখে স্ত্রীর কাছে জানতে চায় -  কোথা থেকে এলো ! স্বদেশী করা পুরানো বন্ধু তার স্ত্রীর সঙ্গে গোপনে দেখা করে এই কাজটি করে গেছে জেনে অভিমানে-আতঙ্কে-আশঙ্কায় ভেঙে পড়ে অবনী! পারুল আপ্রাণ বোঝানোর চেষ্টা করে ব্যর্থ হয়। অবনীর মুখ থেকে আপন মনে বেরিয়ে আসে- 'যতদিন তুমি আমি আছি, ও সুটকেস আমাদের মাঝে থাকবে!'
  এই আর্তি চিরকালীন। ভয়-সন্দেহ-অস্তিত্বহীনতার লড়াই যত না অপরের সঙ্গে, তার চেয়ে হাজারগুন বেশি নিজের সঙ্গে নিজের! সুটকেস আসলে আকাঙ্ক্ষার প্রতীক। আবার সম্পর্কের মাঝে দেওয়ালও। এক ছাদের নিচে বাস করা স্বামী স্ত্রীর  মনের দূরত্ব কতখানি -  এই প্রশ্ন রেখে নাটক শেষ হয়েছে।

মনস্তাত্ত্বিক টানাপোড়েন-অপূর্ণতা-পারস্পরিক দূরত্ব অথচ পুরানো প্রেমে ঝলক – অসাধারণ দক্ষতায় ফুটিয়ে তুলেছেন পারুলের ভূমিকায় চান্দ্রেয়ী নিয়োগী। প্রতিমুহূর্তে প্রাপ্তির সুখ ও অজানা আশঙ্কার দোলাচল তার শরীরী ভাষায় ধরা পড়েছে। বিশেষ করে সুটকেস নামক বস্তুটি যে স্নেহে-আদরে-আতঙ্কে বুকে জড়িয়ে মঞ্চে পদচারণা করেছেন – এক কথায় অসাধারণ। প্রাণ পেয়েছে সমগ্র নাটক। অবনীর ভূমিকায় গৌরব সেন শুরুতে একটু নড়বড়ে থাকলেও চূড়ান্ত পর্বে অসাধারণ। গল্প যখন ক্লাইম্যাক্সে পৌঁছেছে তখন অবনীর কর্তৃত্ব-দাপট-অসহায়তা একইসঙ্গে ফুটে উঠেছে বাস্তবতার মানদণ্ডে। বরং সাধারণ লেগেছে শ্যামলের ভূমিকায় নির্দেশক স্বয়ং শুভ্রজিৎ লাহিড়ীর অভিনয়। একজন স্বাধীনতা সংগ্রামীর চরিত্রের মর্যাদা ক্ষুন্ন হয়েছে বারে বারে। লক্ষ্যভ্রষ্ট মনে হয়েছে! একটি ছোট্ট অথচ গুরুত্বপুর্ন ভূমিকায় অভিনয় করেছেন প্রতিবেশী বিন্দুবাসিনী রূপী রূপা দত্ত চৌধুরী। যেন ছুরির ফলার মত তীক্ষ্ণ – মঞ্চের এক প্রান্ত থেকে অন্য প্রান্ত দাপিয়ে বেড়িয়েছেন!
আলো কল্যাণ ঘোষ। মিউজিক কৃশাণু ব্যানার্জি ও প্রক্ষেপণে রব। মঞ্চ সজ্জায় রাণা চ্যাটার্জি এবং সহকারি নির্দেশনায় মৌসুমী রায়।

    এ নাটকে বড় সেট বা আলো নেই- চরিত্র গুলোই একে একটি জোরালো আলো। মধ্যবিত্ত সংসার জীবনের টানা পোড়েন নিয়ে বহু পূর্বে লেখা নাটক আজও সমান ভাবে প্রাসঙ্গিক। বাদল সরকার সেখানেই অনন্য। 
    পর্দা সরিয়ে নাটক শুরু হচ্ছে উদাত্ত কন্ঠে পারুলের নাট্য অনুশীলনের মধ্য দিয়ে -  কিন্তু কেন!!  মূল নাটকের সঙ্গে এর কি সম্পর্ক ঠিক বোঝা গেল না! এমনই কিছু বিচ্যুতি কাটিয়ে উঠতে পারলে আরো অর্থবহ হয়ে উঠবে এ নাটক।

           - ( গোপাল বিশ্বাস, কোলকাতা)

Mia by Tanishq’s ‘Mia on Wheels’ Brings Three Days of Sparkle to The City of Joy

Mia by Tanishq’s ‘Mia on Wheels’ Brings Three Days of Sparkle to The City of Joy

Kolkata, 02 Nov 2026: From neighbourhoods buzzing with festive energy to some of the city’s favourite shopping destinations, Mia by Tanishq brought its signature sparkle to the City of Joy with ‘Mia on Wheels’, a three-day activation held from October 27 to 29. Featuring diamond-studded cars, the initiative took Mia’s Precious, Every Day philosophy across the city, creating opportunities for customers to engage with the brand, explore its contemporary fine jewellery and celebrate their individual style.

The activation brought Mia closer to customers through a series of in-store experiences and interactions across Kolkata. On October 28, the journey was flagged off from Mia by Tanishq’s Park Street store by Mr. Sah Gaurav Krishna, Regional Business Head, Titan Company Ltd, setting the stage for two more days of city-wide engagement. At every stop, the initiative created opportunities for customers to connect with Mia in a lively, interactive setting.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Sah Gaurav Krishna, Regional Business Head, Titan Company Ltd, said, “Kolkata is an important market for Mia by Tanishq, and initiatives like Mia on Wheels allow us to engage with customers beyond our stores. Through this activation, we aim to bring our contemporary fine jewellery closer to customers across the city, while creating opportunities for them to experience the brand in a more interactive and engaging way. As we continue to strengthen our presence in the region, our focus remains on offering versatile jewellery that reflects the evolving preferences and personal styles of today’s consumers.”

Over three days, Mia on Wheels travelled across a diverse mix of neighbourhoods and retail destinations. The journey began on October 27 across Baguiati, City Centre New Town, Madhyamgram, Sodepur and Jessore Road. On October 28, the activation moved through Park Street, Rashbehari, Acropolis Mall, Sector 5 and City Centre Salt Lake. The final day saw the cars visit BT Road, Garia, Baghajatin, South City Mall and Howrah Avani Mall, bringing the experience to customers across Kolkata.

At its heart, Mia on Wheels celebrates the idea that jewellery need not be reserved for special occasions. Through this city-wide initiative, Mia by Tanishq brought its Precious, Every Day philosophy into everyday spaces, encouraging women to embrace their individuality, express their personal style and find their own reasons to celebrate.

Adding to the celebrations, Mia by Tanishq is offering up to 100% off on making charges on diamond jewellery, encouraging customers to explore contemporary jewellery designs for occasions, gifting and everyday self-expression.