The Regional Institute of Education (RIE), NCERT, Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with the Manodarpan Cell of the Department of Educational Psychology and Foundations of Education (DEPFE), NCERT, New Delhi, celebrated World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2026. The programme was organised around the theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” highlighting the importance of listening to individual experiences and strengthening mental health support systems in educational institutions.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Principal, RIE, NCERT, Bhubaneswar. In his inaugural address, he emphasised the importance of mental health, emotional well-being and counselling in educational settings. He underscored the pivotal role of teachers and teacher education institutions in fostering supportive, inclusive and psychologically safe learning environments. He also highlighted the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with UNESCO South Asia to integrate health and well-being into pre-service teacher education, reaffirming the Institute’s commitment to preparing teachers to address the diverse mental health and well-being needs of learners.
A resource talk titled “Every Student Matters: Talking to Their Heart and Connecting with Those Who Need Us Most” was delivered by Prof. Uday Nath Dash, former Professor of Psychology at the University of Delhi and Utkal University. His address focused on promoting mental health awareness and nurturing the well-being of students and educators. He highlighted the importance of effective time management, professional discipline, continuous professional development and innovative teaching practices to simplify complex concepts and enhance learning outcomes.
Prof. Dash also discussed the psychological dimensions of adolescence and the adjustment challenges faced by students, teachers and parents. Emphasising that counselling is a dynamic and empathetic process, he stressed the need for active listening, acknowledging and reflecting emotions, and recognising individual differences. He underlined that a deeper understanding of learners’ feelings and experiences is essential to providing meaningful psychological support and building trusting relationships.
Prof. Manasi Goswami, Dean of Instructions, RIE, NCERT, Bhubaneswar, highlighted the importance of holistic development and encouraged educators to nurture confidence, compassion and self-control among students. Prof. Ramakanta Mohalik, In-charge Head, Department of Extension Education, highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the Manodarpan Cell to promote psychological well-being and extend support to students and teachers.
The programme witnessed the participation of around 300 people, including teachers from the PM SHRI Demonstration Multipurpose School (DM School), students enrolled in the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), B.Ed., M.Ed. and Ph.D. programmes, Heads of Departments, faculty members and other staff of the Institute. The active participation of the academic community reflected a shared commitment to fostering empathetic, inclusive and mentally healthy educational environments.
The programme was coordinated by Prof. Sankar Prasad Mohanty of the Department of Education, RIE, NCERT, Bhubaneswar. At the national level, Prof. Vinod Kumar Shanwal, In-charge of the Manodarpan Cell, DEPFE, NCERT, New Delhi, is coordinating the initiative.
