International Men's Day is celebrated every year on November 19th. It's a day to recognize and honor the unwavering contributions of men to society and address some of the challenges they face in the society. It is an opportunity to shine a light on the issues men deal with and promote the progressive side of men. This promising day is a significant chance to display the optimistic side of many men making an impact in society.

Necessity to Celebrate: This year, the core driving reason to celebrate International Men's Day is to underscore and create awareness about the mental and physical health issues that affect men. Men often don’t go to the physicians regularly as they known for ignoring health problems until it creates a severe cause. Some common health issues for men include heart disease, prostate cancer, mental health problems, and addiction.

By talking about these health issues on this day, we can encourage men to seek help when they need it. This can help them take better care of their physical and mental health. More conversations and awareness can also reduce the stigma around men like asking for help, which is something many men struggle with.

International Men's Day is not just about celebration; it’s also a day for reflection and action. It’s a chance for men to reflect on their own lives, their relationships, and the impact they have on the world.

“Men play an essential role in every family, both physically and mentally. Their presence provides support and strength helping to maintain the balance in both personal and professional spheres. On this day, we recognize the valuable contributions they make in our lives”, Gagan Chinnappa, Actor

Men too need Mental Health!

“One of the changes we should focus on as a society is normalising men’s emotions and fostering more open discussions about the mental health and well-being of men. It’s true that men, in many ways, benefit from privilege. They must recognise this privilege and understand how societal structures are often more accommodating to them than to women. On occasions like Men’s Day, we need to ensure that these discussions address real issues — such as men also being victims of patriarchy”, - Anuraj K A, Associate Technical Manager

Mental health & wellness is often ignored when it comes to men. Many men feel pressured, whatever happens, they are systematized to be strong and hide their emotions with themselves. This can make it harder for them to talk about their feelings or ask for help when they feel low. As a result, men sometimes suffer in silence, which can lead to serious mental health problems.

It is important for men to have open conversations about mental health. Men need to know that it's okay to talk about their feelings and ask for help when they are struggling. Support from family, friends, and professionals can make a big difference. There are also many ways to cope with mental health challenges, like talking to someone, practicing relaxation techniques, or seeking for mental health-focused therapies.

Sadly, statistics show that men are more likely to die by suicide than women. In many countries, men make up a large portion of the suicide rate. For example, in the United States, men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women. This is a serious issue and stresses the need for change. More awareness and support for men's mental health can help save lives. We need to create an environment where men feel safe to speak up and get the help they need at right time.

‘The lack of discussions about men’s mental health or their propensity to seek help along with the growing suicide rates may be explained by the male gender norms that are socially constructed”, - Dr Samir Kumar Praharaj, Professor and Head – Department of Psychiatry, Kasturba Medical College and Hospitals, MAHE, Manipal

Promising Men inspirations around the World

Marcus Rashford is an English footballer who uses his fame to help others. He is known for his work in fighting for child food poverty. He also set up a charity to help the families in need. Rashford shows young men the importance of using their influence to help those who are less fortunate. His actions inspire others to stand up for what is needed in the society and make a positive difference in their communities.

Ratan Tata is a well-known businessman and philanthropist. He is the former chairman of Tata Group, one of India’s biggest companies. Apart from his success in business, Ratan Tata is admired for his generosity and support for social causes. He has helped improve education, healthcare, and rural development in India. Ratan Tata’s leadership and kindness inspire many young people to focus on the noble values like honesty, integrity, and giving back to society.

Virat Kohli is a very good cricket player. He works hard at his game. He is also very fit and a great leader. Off the field, Kohli helps others. He runs a foundation to help poor children. His foundation focuses on health and education. Kohli shows that both hard work and discipline are important in our life. He teaches young people that success comes from doing your best. He also shows that helping others is very important.

Barack Obama, the former President of the United States, is still an influential figure in 2024. He is known for his leadership, vision for equality, and focus on helping others. Obama has inspired millions of people around the world. Through the Obama Foundation, he helps young people, especially from poor backgrounds and empowers them to become leaders in their communities. Obama is a role model for men who want to create change and help improve the world.

Finally, Sundar Pichai is the CEO of Google and Alphabet. He was born in India. Pichai's journey from normal employee to top of Google is a great inspiration. In 2024, he still leads the company. Google is growing in areas like AI, sustainability, and digital innovation. Pichai's story shows young men that with hard work and dedication, they can reach the heights. It also shows that our background doesn't limit our success.

In a Nutshell, International Men’s Day gives us the chance to celebrate the important roles that men play in our lives and society. It’s a day to acknowledge their contributions, from family and work to sports and community involvement. Moreover, by encouraging open conversations and supporting men in taking care of their physical and emotional health, we can create a more balanced and understanding world for everyone. Celebrating men isn’t just about honoring their successes; it’s also about recognizing their struggles and helping them thrive in all areas of life.

On this International Men’s Day, it is important to remind ourselves that we need to celebrate men who work hard for their families, strive for equality, and contribute positively to society