Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has taken a significant step towards prioritizing the mental health of its students, faculty, employees, and their families by introducing a comprehensive psychological well-being service. This initiative, set to be rolled out in phases, underscores the university's commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for its community members.
In a recent announcement, BHU unveiled its plan to implement a 90-day professional training program for 15 psychology students selected as interns under the Dr Sarvepalli Radha Krishnan Internship scheme. These interns, who have completed their PG diplomas from BHU, will undergo rigorous training aimed at grooming them into skilled counselors capable of providing essential guidance and support.
Dubbed 'Vishwakarma - The Skilled Counselor', the training program is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address the diverse psychological needs of individuals. Conducted by external industry experts from 'Manas - The Inside Story', an organization dedicated to promoting transformation through psychological self-awareness, the program covers a wide range of topics essential for the successful delivery of psychological well-being services.
Participants in the training will receive instruction on person-centered philosophy in action, person-centered skills, systems and processes of psychological well-being services, and integrated skills related to student counseling, among other crucial areas. By providing comprehensive training in these areas, BHU aims to ensure that its counselors are well-prepared to offer meaningful support to those in need.
The psychological well-being service will be overseen by the office of the dean of students, under the leadership of Prof Anupam Kumar Nema. Prof Nema emphasized the prevalence of various psychological challenges in today's society, particularly among young people, and highlighted the importance of addressing these issues proactively. He noted that the launch of such services at BHU is a significant step towards meeting the dynamic psychological needs of the university community.
The initiative also aligns with the objectives outlined in the New Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes the importance of promoting psychological well-being alongside academic achievement. By integrating psychological support services into its framework, BHU is not only meeting the immediate needs of its community members but also contributing to a broader cultural shift towards prioritizing mental health and well-being in educational settings.
As BHU embarks on this journey to enhance psychological well-being on campus, it sets a commendable example for other institutions to follow. By investing in the training and development of skilled counselors, BHU demonstrates its unwavering commitment to supporting the holistic growth and flourishing of its students and staff.
