Tiny Titan Tackles Mental Health

As eight year old Kiara Kaur spoke about mental health to around 3000 children at a government Girls Higher Secondary School at Chennai’s Ashok Nagar, many of them were able to relate with her and understand the importance of mental health better. 

Kiara a class four student in Dubai shared her own experience of a leg injury that made her feel isolated and sad even after recovery. Kiara says she wasn’t able to contact her friends or able to express her feelings as everyone was much bothered about her physical  recovery, giving no importance of her mental wellbeing.

She helped children understand the need to get over the stigma around mental health so that they could express their feelings openly, averting anxiety or depression. She encouraged them them to open up to teachers, counsellors or  parents. She also introduced them to journal writing that helps children relieve their pent up feelings.

Kiara told the children “Everyone is endowed with skills to cope with certain amount of stress, but if we are burdened with stress for a prolonged period of time, it can lead us feeling overwhelmed and burned out”. 

The students were inspired by Kiara’s mental health push among children and her wide knowledge at a young age. One student said “Today I realised how our physical problems could impact our mental health and how we ought to be confident”. Another said “I loved the way Kiara spoke. I want to be like her one day”. 

Kiara also helped children learn and practice a few simple breathing techniques. K Vasuki, the Principal of the School said “Kiara was able to strike a chord with our children. They found her session useful and motivational”.

Born in the US, the daughter of an Indian doctor couple based in Dubai, Kiara is a three time world record holder in reading books and the youngest TEDX Speaker. Would she want to make counselling her career? Kiare says “I have not yet made up my mind”. 

The talented girl has also been the youngest Speaker at World Expo2020, COP28, COY18 and Commission on Status of Women 68, United nations.