The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 highlights the urgent need for ensuring ‘not only cognitive development, but also building character and creating holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st century skills. To take forward the vision of NEP, Manodarpan, an initiative of the Ministry of Education (MoE) as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is aimed to provide psychosocial support to students, teachers and families for mental health and emotional well-being.

Manodarpan Cell, NCERT, New Delhi in collaboration with the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Bhubaneswar, organised a Regional Consultative Meeting on the theme “Bhartiya Wisdom/Traditions with Mental Health Practices in School Education” on 16 January 2026.
Experts from Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands participated in the meeting. Heads of different Departments of the Institute were present. The deliberations focused on different aspects of students’ mental health and strategies for integrating mental health practices within the school curriculum to enhance students’ well-being. Participants also discussed various regional and indigenous practices such as food habits, lifestyle, Ayurvedic practices, breathing control techniques, emotional regulation practices, and related traditional health approaches.
During the inaugural session, Prof. Manasi Goswami, Principal, RIE Bhubaneswar, emphasised that physical and mental health are equally important. She highlighted that factors such as coping with stress, family belief systems, stress caused by natural calamities, and hurdles in accessing education contribute significantly to stress among students. Prof. Goswami, also suggested integrating well-being practices into school education to strengthen students’ emotional balance, resilience, and overall mental wellness.  
Prof. Vinod Kumar Shanwal, In-Charge, Manodarpan Cell, NCERT, New Delhi, in his opening remarks outlined the vision and mandate of the Manodarpan Cell in strengthening mental health and psychosocial well-being in the school education system. Prof. Shanwal also highlighted two important initiatives of the Cell- ‘Paricharcha’ and ‘Sahayog’—which are being organised regularly as platforms for all learners.  
Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Head, Department of Education and Head In-charge, Extension Education, of this institute discussed various types of mental health concerns and suggested strategies to address them through indigenous practices and traditional health practices. He emphasised the need to address these concerns through culturally rooted approaches, including indigenous practices and traditional health practices.
Prof. Sankar Prasad Mohanty coordinator from RIE, Bhubaneswar, during the welcome note, outlined the necessity of mental health education for the students particularly at the adolescence period, as they come across stress, and anxiety. He added, that NEP 2020 promotes mental health through counselling, inclusive school culture, life skills, teacher training, and health-wellness integration. Dr. Shalini Dixit, Coordinator of the Programme from Manodarpan Cell outlined the objectives of the consultative workshop. In her remarks, Dr. Dixit said the importance of Bharatiya wisdom and traditions in mental health practices for children.  
In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, the deliberations and key takeaways of the Regional Consultative Meeting are expected to serve as important inputs for future initiatives. These inputs will facilitate policy-level recommendations, formulation of appropriate strategies, strengthening of curriculum framework development, and systematic integration of mental health and well-being practices, including indigenous knowledge-based approaches, in school textbooks and other curricular resources.

Swadhin Shakti Prasad/Manoj Kumar Jali

(Release ID: 2215565) Visitor Counter : 45