Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi is spearheading a dynamic initiative that underscores the university’s commitment to the critical role which mental health plays in the overall development and success of students. Surpassing traditional academic boundaries, the university has laid a comprehensive strategic plan that focuses not only on the intellectual prowess of students but also their mental agility and emotional wellness.
The university believes in the significance of fostering an environment that aids every student to strive through their academic journey and personal life challenges while being in the cocoon of well-being and good health. As an integral part of this broader, human-centric educational strategy, the Wellbeing Services Cell (WBSC) under the university’s helm of student-centric activities is rolling out a week-long Mental Health Awareness Campaign, commencing on September 28 and culminating on October 4, 2024.
The proactive leadership, spearheaded by the Dean of Students, is ostensibly on a mission that goes beyond mere awareness creation. The motive revolves around promoting and propagating the concept of “Inculcating Self-Adaptive Behavior and Increasing Resilience.” It’s a significant endeavor aimed at enlightening students on the importance of understanding their inner selves, recognizing their potential, adapting to various circumstances, and thereby building a resilience that augments their holistic growth entirely.
A wide array of engaging activities has been structured for the mental awareness campaign to ensure the message drives home. It includes open mic sessions that light up the stage for every student to bring out their thoughts and feelings. Poster Making and Music Therapy are on the agenda as they are interactive and therapeutic ways of self-expression, helping students to channelize their emotions. The campaign also lays a substantial focus on Mindfulness Practices that can boost their mental health, decrease stress, and increase overall happiness.
The successful roll-out of the campaign has been made possible through the concerted efforts of a dedicated team led by SRK Fellows in Psychology. The team also includes the Student Counsellor and Clinical Psychological Counsellors. Their collaboration is coordinated expertly by the Associate Dean of Students (Student Development), facilitating the smooth conduct of the campaign and entrusting the belief of community support among students.
BHU’s stand on mental health resonates with the pressing need of this cause in today’s fast-paced educational and professional scenario. This campaign is indeed indicative of the university’s visionary approach towards offering an enriching academic tenure for all its students. By instilling the abilities to cope with adversities and to bounce back enthusiastically, they are crafting resilient individuals who are ready to face tomorrow.
Whether a student is from Varanasi or any other part of the world, BHU’s commitment to mental health is a testament to their steadfast dedication towards ensuring an all-rounded personal development, thereby moulding successful leaders of tomorrow. It’s not just a campaign, but a revolutionary step towards nurturing students, who are not only academically sound, but also mentally strong and emotionally balanced. It’s a commendable initiative, remarkably worth joining for any student desiring a holistic growth and a balanced, joyful life.
