A meaningful life lies in emotional awareness and wise use of time – Senior psychiatrist and actor Dr. Mohan Agashe

Pune, 24th June 2026 : “A meaningful life comes from being emotionally aware, using your time wisely, and not ignoring your inner world”, said senior psychiatrist and actor Dr. Mohan Agashe, He was speaking at the launch of the special issue titled ‘Aisi Vaidyak Akshare’ of the long-running literary magazine ‘Aisi Akshare’, published for the past 24 years by Belvalkar Sanskrutik Manch in Pune.

Along with him, dignitaries including Dr. Girish Oak, Sameer Belvalkar, guest editor Dr. Sameer Jog, and editor Padmanabh Hinge were present. Following the launch, Dr. Jog and Rajesh Damle engaged in a discussion with Dr. Agashe on the topic “Mental Health – Reality and Illusion.”

Dr. Mohan Agashe spoke about how our culture teaches us to control emotions rather than express them, which leads many people, especially women, to stay silent for years. This suppression creates inner stress and can result in serious mental health issues. While physical illnesses are easily accepted and diagnosed, mental health is often ignored, even though the mind is just as important as the body.

He explained that we must first accept the existence of the mind, which is constantly changing and deeply connected to our emotions. However, education, especially in medicine, focuses more on intellect and often overlooks emotions as the “subtext” of life. Life is not only about thinking but also about feeling. Art forms like theatre, cinema, and literature understand this well, expressing emotions where words fall short.

He also pointed out that mainstream films often make light of mental health, whereas some filmmakers have handled it seriously and scientifically. He advised against mixing mental health with faith or religion and instead encouraged awareness and sensitive use of our senses.

Dr. Sameer Jog shared that this special issue brings together doctors who don’t just practice medicine but also write literature. Because doctors deal closely with important human experiences like birth, life, and death, they develop a deep emotional understanding of people. This sensitivity reflects in their writing, making it more meaningful and insightful. The issue presents 14 such doctor-writers who offer meaningful insights beyond simple entertainment.

Sameer Belvalkar, in his speech, spoke about the long journey of the magazine Aisi Akshare over the past 23 years and how it has grown over time. He highlighted that this special issue includes many doctors who are not only medical professionals but also passionate writers. By bringing their work together, the issue showcases the valuable and meaningful contribution of these talented doctors to Marathi literature, showing that they are connected not just to medicine but also to the world of words and creativity.

Dr. Girish Oak reflected on his personal journey, saying that he left his career as a doctor 42 years ago to pursue acting and later also tried his hand at writing. He shared that he has contributed to Aisi Akshare in the past and that many of his friends are also part of this issue, showing a sense of connection and community. He mentioned actor Mohan Joshi as someone who inspires him to stay positive. Since it was Father’s Day, he also appreciated Sameer Belvalkar for continuing his father’s work through this initiative.

The program was compered by Rajesh Damle, who also delivered the vote of thanks.