Historical Perspective
For decades, student mental health in India remained a neglected and under-discussed issue. While academic excellence was prioritized, emotional well-being was often overlooked, leading to a culture where stress, anxiety, and burnout were normalized.
Mental health challenges among students were either dismissed as temporary or stigmatized as signs of weakness, preventing open dialogue and timely support. Educational institutions largely lacked the infrastructure, awareness, and trained personnel to address these concerns in a structured manner.
In recent years, however, there has been a growing recognition of the deep emotional toll that academic and social pressures take on students. High-profile incidents, rising cases of depression and suicide, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have brought mental health to the forefront of national concern. Policies such as NEP 2020 and initiatives like Tele-MANAS reflect a systemic shift towards integrating mental well-being into education and public health.
The Mansik Shakti Foundation emerged in this context, bridging the gap between awareness and action. With its evidence-based, tech-enabled approach, the Foundation represents a modern response to a long-standing issue—redefining mental health care for India’s youth by combining tradition, innovation, and compassion.
