It is almost time for the fourth edition of the Chandigarh Freedom Ultrarun. If you are an ultra-runner or a someone who has run a marathon and looking for a bit more, this is for you. 30 November is the date.

If you are a cyclist and want a leisurely ride while helping a runner, this is for you. Last year I could not run due to some injuries, so I decided to support on cycle. It was a rewarding experience. You get to enjoy the beautiful Punjab countryside while serving.

You can also support in other ways. Just donate for the charity that we will support. This year it will be an Organization serving the mentally ill in some way. We are still finalizing it, but 100% of donations and registrations will go for the chosen charity.

You can also come and share a dinner with all of us to rub shoulders with the ultra-runners, cyclists, charity members, and other supporters. This will be at the Forest Complex in Sector 68, Mohali around 7PM.

Get your tickets here.

I have found a lot of satisfaction in organizing, running and cycling for a cause that is important. We all know someone affected by depression. I always think that depression is worst than most diseases because it robs you of all hope. And we need hope more than anything else.

We often tell someone with depression to just snap out of it. If someone can do that so easily then it is not depression. Depression is a darkness which is more pervasive than someone who has not suffered from it, can imagine. Someone suffering from depression need help to get out of it. That help can be psychiatric treatment or counseling or both.

Suicide rates in India are very high. According to the World Health Organization the suicide rate per 100 000 people are 21.1 which is far above the global average of 16.

The problem is that there are very few mental health workers in India. The mental health workforce in India (per 100,000 population) include psychiatrists (0.3), nurses (0.12), psychologists (0.07) and social workers (0.07).

Let’s start doing something about this. There is no shame in suffering from a mental disease. Let’s stop hiding from it and help those who are suffering.

The Bible says that Jesus came to set the captives free. Let us join with Him to set those free who are slaves of depression and fear.