Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is set to introduce a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering the psychological well-being of its students, faculty, employees, and their families. In a strategic move, BHU will roll out a comprehensive psychological support service, designed to address the diverse mental health needs within its community.
In a recent announcement, BHU revealed its meticulous plan to implement this service in a phased manner, underscoring its commitment to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment on campus. As part of this initiative, the university will provide specialized training to a cohort of 15 psychology students, carefully selected as interns under the esteemed Dr Sarvepalli Radha Krishnan Internship scheme.
These interns, who have already completed their PG diplomas from BHU, will undergo an intensive 90-day professional training program titled ‘Vishwakarma – The Skilled Counselor’. This program, designed to hone their counseling skills, aims to equip them with the expertise needed to offer effective guidance and support to individuals seeking assistance.
The training will be facilitated by renowned industry experts from ‘Manas – The Inside Story’, an organization renowned for its transformative work in promoting psychological self-awareness. Throughout the program, participants will delve into various critical aspects essential for the successful operation of the psychological well-being service.
Topics covered during the training include person-centered philosophy in action, essential counseling skills, the intricacies of psychological well-being service systems and processes, and integrated techniques for student counseling, among others. The service will be overseen from the office of the Dean of Students, underscoring its institutional importance and commitment to excellence.
Professor Anupam Kumar Nema, Dean of Students at BHU, emphasized the pressing need for such services in light of the myriad psychological challenges faced by today’s youth. He highlighted the prevalence of various psychological confusions in society, emphasizing their detrimental impact on mental health. Prof. Nema asserted that the introduction of these services at BHU signifies a significant step towards addressing these dynamic psychological challenges, aligning seamlessly with the objectives outlined in the New Education Policy 2020, which prioritizes psychological well-being within the educational landscape.
As BHU gears up to launch this pioneering initiative, it reaffirms its status as a trailblazer in promoting holistic well-being within the academic community, setting a commendable precedent for other institutions to follow suit.
