I have been very down for the few days, being unproductive, also not doing regular WSIF activities (if you have already noticed). I think, I have been also very miser in sharing some of my positive experiences that might be helpful for someone who is trying to do something out of the box in her profession.
Today I will be sharing the story about how I got chance to participate in the highly valued and esteemed “Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit-2018” arranged my British government for the first time in the history. In this summit, Health Ministers, the top-level policy makers, and high-level mental health experts from UN, WHO were supposed to join from every country of the world.
So, in 2018 August; we had a Chevening Scholar’s reception in her excellency British High Commissioners residence. Our batch was lucky enough as for the first time the British Political Minister was present there as he was visiting Rohingya community. Point to be noted, I was also the first person to get Chevening to study Mental Health from Bangladesh; not a common or prioritized study to be funded for (you know, what I mean). So, while everyone was having lunch, I instead went to talk to the minister. During the conversation, he was very impressed to learn about my passion and immediately said that a high-profile Ministerial summit is under arrangement. With no time, I started to place my points why I shall be included in that summit even being the most junior. After 10 minutes, he agreed that I made my points right and instructed his secretary to collect my whereabouts.
During a cold day of October in London, while I was walking towards the County Hall, I was so overwhelmed and grateful to life that I am going to experience this enriched event in person. The entire hall was full of mental health legends, top notch ministers from all over the world. Just after a few minutes of entrance, I encountered respected Ms Saima Hossain; and the first question she asked me was: Kobe deshe jabe/ when you are going back to country? Bangladesh needs an enthusiast like you. Then I attended a few sessions and learned what have been going all around the world in terms of mental health care.
Overall that was a day, I will always cherish. I met my Idol Prof Vikram Patel (the man, for whom I started to work for mental health). Will tell this story later. I think nothing comes easy in life and I worked very hard to come this far..!! Cause I believe there’s no short cut and in this male dominant society we have to work extra hard to be seen, to be heard..!!!