Dr Romesh Sharma
Manodarpan is an initiative of the Ministry of Education (MOE) as part of “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan” that aims to provide psychosocial support to students, teachers and families for mental health and emotional well-being.
The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, visualises the strengthening of mental health as an important aspect in school education and promotes education that inculcates and supports the development of such skills in students which will help them attain positive mental health and emotional well-being. Schools are an important setting for not only imparting knowledge about different disciplines and facilitating cognitive development in students but also equipping them with such knowledge, skills, and competencies that will nurture their mental and emotional well-being.Among school-going students, a state of well-being facilitates them to deal with everyday stressors and challenges such as peer pressure, bullying, discrimination, stress and anxiety related to academic aspects etc.
Need for Manodarpan
Mental health has long been a neglected aspect of public health and school education in India. Stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to mental health services have contributed to a significant mental health crisis in the country. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, this crisis was further exacerbated as individuals grappled with isolation, anxiety, and uncertainty.The education sector, in particular, faced numerous challenges. Students and teachers had to adapt to remote learning, cope with the stress of examinations, and deal with the emotional toll of the pandemic. Recognizing these issues, the Indian government launched Manodarpan as a holistic solution to address the mental health needs of the education community.
Objectives and resources
Awareness and Education: Manodarpan seeks to raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. It aims to educate students, teachers, and parents about the importance of mental well-being.Manodarpan through its Webpage (https://manodarpan.education.gov.in) also provides various resources to support mental well-being and to reduce stress such as Advisory guidelines, modular handbook for early identification and interventions for mental health problem in school going children and adolescents, a handbook on 21st Century Skills, motivational posters, podcasts, videos and FAQS, ‘Mantarang’, which is a digital collation of Manodarpan activities and a directory of counsellors, which is a database of Professional Counsellors from different regions across the country.
Counseling and Psychological Support: The program provides access to trained counselors and psychologists who offer counseling services to individuals in need. These professionals help students and teachers cope with stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
Helpline Services: The National Toll-free tele-counselling helpline (8448440632) runs from 8 am to 8 pm across the week and provides guidance and support on mental health and other psychosocial issues experienced by students.
Online Resources: The initiative offers a range of online resources, including webinars, articles, and videos, to provide information and strategies for managing mental health effectively.
Sahyog’ live sessions: These sessions are organized with practicing counsellors and are held from Monday to Friday (from 05:00 pm-05:30 pm) for classes VI-XII across different regions. These sessions can be viewed live as well as later on PM e-Vidya channels and ‘NCERT Official YouTube channel.
‘Paricharcha’ webinars: These webinars are organized every Friday from 02:30 pm to 04:00 pm. In the webinars a panel of mental health experts, practicing counsellors, educators, school administrators etc. The webinars can be viewed live as well as later on PM e-Vidya channels and ‘NCERT official YouTube channel
Implementation and Reach
Manodarpan has been implemented through a network of over 2,000 trained counselors and psychologists across India. These professionals work in collaboration with educational institutions to identify and address mental health concerns. Additionally, the initiative has been integrated into the curriculum, ensuring that mental health education is an essential part of the learning process. The reach of Manodarpan has been impressive, with millions of students, teachers, and parents benefiting from its services.
Impact and Challenges
The impact of Manodarpan has been multifaceted. It has not only helped individuals cope with mental health challenges but has also contributed to a broader societal shift in attitudes toward mental health. By normalizing discussions around mental well-being, it has encouraged more people to seek help when needed. School Education Department J&K Govt has also taken a lead in the implementation of Manodarpan through its multifarious initiatives.
However, several challenges persist. The demand for mental health services in India still far exceeds the available resources. Long waiting times for counseling and a shortage of mental health professionals remain issues to be addressed. Additionally, sustained awareness and efforts are needed to combat the deeply rooted stigma associated with mental health.
Conclusion
Manodarpan represents a significant step forward in India’s journey toward prioritizing mental health. By addressing the specific needs of students, teachers, and parents, it has laid the foundation for a more mentally healthy educational ecosystem. While challenges persist, the initiative’s impact on awareness, education, and support for mental well-being is undeniable, and it serves as a model for other countries seeking to address the mental health needs of their populations.
(The author is Counselling Psychologist)
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