Are Schools Teaching How to Become Happy? A Look at the Role of Education in Mental Well-Being
Thirty-three years ago, when I embarked on my educational journey, the landscape of learning was strikingly different from what we see today. Educational resources were limited, and the system primarily centered around rote memorization and examination. The focus was on teaching subjects and testing knowledge, leaving little room for emotional development, self-awareness, or personal growth. Students were often seen as passive recipients of knowledge, and their mental and emotional well-being were not significant concerns for the system. Most importantly, a child’s future was often shaped by societal and parental expectations, rather than by personal aspirations or individual strengths.
Today, however, the educational system is evolving in exciting ways, especially in India. The focus has shifted from merely imparting academic knowledge to nurturing the holistic development of students, including their mental and emotional well-being. The growing recognition of the importance of mental health within educational settings is a welcome development, as it acknowledges that education is not just about learning subjects but also about learning how to live, adapt, and thrive in a complex world.
The Evolution of Education: From Academic to Holistic
The Indian education system, serving over 400 million children, is witnessing a major transformation. Recent reforms, particularly those outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasize a more holistic approach to education. These reforms are increasingly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting well-being and life skills alongside academic knowledge. The integration of emotional well-being and life skills into the national curriculum represents a progressive step towards fostering an education system that prioritizes the mental health of students.
The transformation is crucial because, for too long, mental health issues have been stigmatized or ignored within educational spaces. This shift acknowledges that emotional well-being is fundamental to effective learning and personal growth. It also encourages a more empathetic approach to teaching—one that recognizes students as whole individuals, with unique emotional and psychological needs, not just academic learners.
Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being in the NEP 2020
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 places a strong emphasis on the mental health and emotional well-being of students. It recognizes that optimal learning can only take place when children are mentally healthy and emotionally supported. The NEP advocates for various initiatives designed to promote mental health within schools, integrating emotional well-being into the very fabric of the education system.
Few Key Initiatives Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being
1. PM POSHAN Scheme: Nourishing the Body for a Healthy Mind
One of the foundational aspects of the NEP’s approach to well-being is the recognition that physical health directly impacts mental health. The PM POSHAN Scheme provides hot-cooked meals to students in Government and Government-aided schools, covering students from Balvatika through Class VIII. This initiative benefits over crores of students across the country. By addressing nutritional deficiencies, the scheme helps ensure that students are physically well, which is essential for their mental and emotional development.
2. Health Check-Ups and the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)
The NEP also advocates for comprehensive health check-ups as a vital part of a child’s education. The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), which has reached nearly 6.98 crore students by November 2023, helps identify and address health issues, including mental health concerns, early on. These health check-ups are instrumental in ensuring that students receive the care and support they need, not just physically, but mentally as well.
3. National Curriculum Frameworks (NCF)
The National Curriculum Frameworks (NCF-FS for the Foundational Stage and NCF-SE for School Education), developed by the NCERT, play a critical role in integrating mental well-being into the education system. The frameworks provide guidelines for syllabi, content development, and teaching practices that prioritize emotional and psychological support for students. They encourage a collaborative approach, involving teachers, parents, school staff, and community members, to ensure that each child receives the emotional support they need for balanced growth.
Manodarpan: A Nationwide Mental Health Support Initiative
To provide targeted mental health support, the Government launched Manodarpan as part of the AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan on July 21, 2020. This initiative aims to provide psychosocial support to students, teachers, and families across the country. A central feature of Manodarpan is its toll-free helpline (844-844-0632), offering free mental health and psychosocial counseling services to students in schools, colleges, and universities.
The Manodarpan portal (https://manodarpan.education.gov.in) also serves as a resource, listing trained counsellors at both the school and university levels. Students can access professional help for mental health issues, ranging from stress and anxiety to more complex emotional concerns.
Sahyog: Live Interactive Sessions
In addition to the helpline, Manodarpan organizes live interactive sessions called Sahyog on PM e-Vidya Channels. These sessions are conducted by experienced counsellors and aim to address various mental health concerns faced by students. Held Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm, these sessions provide direct interaction between counsellors and students. With over 725 sessions conducted and more than 10 lakh viewers benefiting from them, Sahyog has become an invaluable resource in promoting mental well-being.
Prioritizing Teacher Well-Being
The importance of mental health extends beyond students to include teachers as well. Happy and emotionally supported teachers are essential for creating a positive, joyful learning environment. Teachers who experience stress or burnout are less likely to be effective educators. Therefore, prioritizing teacher well-being is an essential aspect of building a mentally healthy education system.
Mental Health in Higher Education: A Continuing Focus
While the NEP’s focus begins at the foundational level, it extends into higher education as well. The government has taken steps to improve the quality of education and student support at the higher education level by increasing the number of institutions and promoting research opportunities. Additionally, the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship scheme offers scholarships to students pursuing PhDs, reducing financial pressures and fostering a culture of academic excellence and mental satisfaction.
A Holistic Vision for Education
The initiatives discussed above reflect the Indian Government’s evolving strategy to integrate mental health and emotional well-being into the education system, in alignment with the NEP 2020. By focusing on both physical nourishment and mental support, the government aims to create an education system that fosters not just academic achievement but also emotional resilience, mental clarity, and overall well-being.
As we move forward, it is crucial that all stakeholders—teachers, parents, school authorities, and policymakers—work together to create an environment that nurtures both the minds and the hearts of children. Only by doing so can we ensure that our future generations are equipped not only with knowledge but with the emotional intelligence, resilience, and happiness needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world.