Mental Health in Calcutta

Abstract

Calcutta is the largest city in India, second to Tokyo in Asia and 4th largest in the world. It has achieved international notoriety as the most problematic city in the world. If it’s problems are to be recounted then it would be unbelievable that people are able to live in it. Yet Calcutta has a vitality which is unique. Inspite of heavy odds it still occupies the forefront in India’s cultural life, though it has to be admitted that it’s main export has become technical manpower rather than tea or jute. Founded more than 200 years ago, it has always had a cosmopolitan character. It is heavily industrialised and has been hit hard by the economic recession in recent years, as well as by the political and social turmoil of the whole eastern region of India. Calcutta’s population has been increasing almost daily, refugees come from across the border, rural population and job-seekers from surrounding areas and from other States pour into this most open and permissive of cities. Study of mental health in stressful urban conditions is always interesting, in Calcutta such studies also give us a glimpse of human endurance and adaptability, since it goes without saying that social stresses of every kind are present in Calcutta.