State-Level Deliberation Programme Organised at BBAU, Discussions Held on Indian Knowledge System and Mental Well-being for Holistic Development of Students

Lucknow: Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), in collaboration with the Manodarpan Cell, NCERT, organised a two-day State-Level Deliberation Programme on 16 September. The programme was chaired by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal. The distinguished guests present on the dais included Shri Vivek Nautiyal, Joint Director of Education, Samagra Shiksha (Secondary), Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, Prof. Vinod Kumar Shanwal, In-charge, Manodarpan Cell and Dr. Arpit Shailesh, Coordinator, Nodal Centre. Apart from this, Prof. Prabhat Kumar Mishra, Head, Department of Educational Psychology and Foundations of Education, NCERT, also joined the programme online. At the beginning, the organising committee expressed its gratitude to the distinguished guests and teachers by presenting them with saplings, shawls and mementoes. This was followed by a report presentation by Prof. Prabhat Kumar Mishra, wherein the key points, findings and important aspects related to the programme were presented in detail.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal, presented a comparative study of Indian and Western philosophies and highlighted their respective perspectives on life and nature. He explained that Indian philosophy emphasises the judicious and balanced use of resources and harmony with nature, while modern consumerist tendencies associated with Western thought have encouraged greater consumption of resources. He highlighted the distinctive features of the Indian knowledge tradition and stated that Indian culture views the individual, society, civilisation, nature and environment as interconnected aspects of life. Referring to India’s rich ancient history and its traditions of knowledge and science, Prof. Mittal stated that India was an important centre of global trade in ancient times and that a strong tradition of local and cottage industries existed across the country. He called upon teachers to connect students with this rich heritage of Indian knowledge and encourage them to understand and appreciate their cultural roots. The Vice-Chancellor also discussed the concept and relevance of the Panchakosha described in the Indian knowledge system Annamaya Kosha, Pranamaya Kosha, Manomaya Kosha, Vijnanamaya Kosha and Anandamaya Kosha. He explained that the Panchakosha framework provides a holistic understanding of an individual’s physical, vital, mental, intellectual and blissful dimensions of development. He further called upon teachers to integrate Indian knowledge traditions, values and the concept of holistic education into the teaching-learning process. He emphasised that educational institutions need to take meaningful initiatives from the foundational level and teachers should inspire students to develop knowledge, values, innovation and a sense of responsibility towards the nation in order to strengthen India’s position as a global centre of knowledge and education.
Shri Vivek Nautiyal, Joint Director of Education, Samagra Shiksha (Secondary), Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, shared his views on the mental health, emotional well-being and holistic development of students and children. He highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by the Manodarpan Cell of NCERT for promoting mental health and providing psychosocial support to students, teachers and parents. He elaborated on the Manodarpan tele-counselling facility, expert interactions, mental health awareness programmes and guidance available to address stress, anxiety and various emotional challenges. Shri Nautiyal stated that Manodarpan provides necessary support to students to understand their emotions and develop a positive outlook. He also highlighted various interactive sessions, webinars and counselling activities conducted to create awareness about mental health. Emphasising the role of teachers and parents, he stated that it is essential to understand the emotional needs of children and provide them with a safe, supportive and nurturing environment.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Prof. Vinod Kumar Shanwal. Teachers from primary and secondary levels, along with special educators, representing various districts of Uttar Pradesh, participated in the programme.

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