Banaras Hindu University has been laying greater emphasis on overall welfare of students, their psychological wellbeing in particular. The university has taken a number of measures in this regard. Taking another major step in this direction, the university is now organizing I Care workshops for faculty members to develop them as primary counselors for students. The workshop is being conducted in association with Maanas, an organization working for transformation through psychological self-awareness. During the workshop, teachers are being imparted training on addressing issues arising out of psychological illiteracy and lack of awareness about mental wellbeing.

I Care is a series of three workshops that in a systematic and guided manner, develops faculty members for student mentorship. Ms. Meenakshi Kirtane, Founder Director, Maanas, who is taking the sessions for teachers, said the youth today are going through a lot of experiences and influences. They have a lot of exposure and information, but at the same time they also lack psychological literacy, hence, creating systems and facilities at the institute’s level will help them take care of their well-being. Ms. Kirtane also expressed happiness over the active and overwhelming participation of BHU faculty members in the workshop.

The one-day workshop is being conducted for five consecutive days (06 to 10 November, 2023) to ensure that the maximum number of faculty members are benefited. The first round of workshops kicked off at Mahila Mahavidyalaya on Monday. It is being organized for Hostel Coordinators, Admin. Wardens, Wardens, Student Advisors & Chairpersons of Student Well-Being Initiative Committee and Student Leadership and Life Skill Development and Initiative Committee.

Commander (Retd.) Sayantan Sanyal, Advisor, Student Affairs, said the I Care series of experimental workshops is a testimonial in itself and addresses the gap of psychological literacy and self-awareness. He added that the participants will benefit immensely from this experience.

Dean of students, Prof. A. K. Nema, reiterated the university’s commitment for the overall welfare of students and highlighted various measures taken by BHU in this regard. He informed that the workshop is in the form of hands-on training and hoped that it will be very useful for the university community.

The first part of the workshop, namely “Preparing to Connect to Self and Others” focuses on helping faculty members develop higher consciousness towards their own psychological being and be aware of their developmental history as a student. As participants enhance their awareness and sensitivity, they are able to translate this into empathic connection with students and better understand and address their issues.

The second part elaborates on different aspects of psychological wellbeing. Third segment of the workshop underscores the importance and effectiveness of listening and how it can make a big difference.

The workshop, besides suggesting effective ways to understand and resolve psychological issues, also strengthens the teacher-student relationship. It reiterates the importance of mental health and awareness about it, in the backdrop of growing numbers of youth being subjected to mental health problems for various reasons.