Bhubaneswar, Oct. 23: Dr. Swayam Prava Baral, Associate Professor of Psychiatry
at the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Campus-2 at Phulnakhara, has
been crowned Mrs. Universe Global 2025 at the prestigious Mrs Universe Official
Pageant held at Manila, Philippines, recently.
Alongside the coveted crown, Dr. Baral also won the ‘Best in Forum’ title for her
powerful advocacy on mental health and human rights, a cause which has now earned
her global recognition as a human rights ambassador.
Representing India on the world stage, Dr. Baral stood out for her eloquence,
intellect and compassion, presenting the country’s rich cultural heritage with grace and
conviction. Her speech at the human rights forum which focused on ‘Mental Health as a
Fundamental Human Right’—received a standing ovation and was hailed as one of the
most compelling presentations made at the event.
“This crown belongs to every woman who has ever been told she is too much or
not enough. Mental health is not a privilege—it’s a right. My mission is to ensure that
every voice in pain finds dignity, access and hope,” she said after being crowned Mrs.
Universe Global.
Dr. Baral called on Prof. (Dr.) Manojranjan Nayak, Founder President of Siksha ‘O’
Anusandhan Deemed to be University which runs IMS and SUM Hospital, Campus-2 on
Thursday. While congratulating her on her achievement, Prof. (Dr.) Nayak wished her
more success in future. Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Kumar Lenka, Medical Superintendent of IMS
and SUM Hospital, Campus-2, was also present.
A psychiatrist, author and WHO Fides Influencer, Dr. Baral is also founder of
Swayam Mind Clinic and Wellness Centre in Bhubaneswar.
She has been a prominent advocate for emotional wellness, women’s
empowerment and gender equality. Her bestselling book ’30 Days to a Healthy Mind’
and her initiatives such as ‘The Confident Me Challenge’ and ‘The Ambitious Woman
Project’ have influenced many.
From treating patients to representing India on the global stage, Dr. Baral’s
journey exemplifies resilience and purpose. Earlier, she had served as Senior Resident
and Assistant Professor at the Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, where her
experience with women facing trauma and mental illness shaped her lifelong
commitment to human rights.
With her new role as Global Human Rights Ambassador, Dr. Baral aims to launch
international collaborations focusing on mental health literacy, de-stigmatization, human
rights and world peace. “This is not the end of my journey—it’s the beginning of a global
movement for compassionate mental health,” she said.
SUM HOSPITAL, CAMPUS-2 PSYCHIATRIST CROWNED MRS. UNIVERSE GLOBAL IN PHILIPPINES
