In a move towards prioritising mental health on educational campuses, 11 top universities in West Bengal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 'The Art of Living' foundation on National Youth Day. The MOU is expected to benefit over 2 lakh students in the state.
According to the MOU, the universities will integrate The Art of Living's flagship youth program into their curriculum. The program aims to empower students with practical life skills and provide a Faculty Development Programme on campuses.
Addressing the growing mental health concerns among young people, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a renowned world peace leader and founder of The Art of Living, engaged in a conversation with 20 leading Vice Chancellors and heads of institutions from West Bengal. The discussion focused on the rising incidents of depression, stress, anxiety, and overall poor mental health among the youth.
Ravi Shankar emphasised the urgent need to protect young individuals from increasing challenges posed by mental health issues. He highlighted that every 40 seconds, someone in the world commits suicide, and this alarming trend is particularly prominent in educational institutions. The spiritual leader stressed the importance of instilling values and providing tools to help students manage their emotions and mental stress.
The spiritual leader also spoke positively about the role of technology in assisting students to explore their spiritual side and find inner peace. He explained, "Stress is too much to do, too little time and no energy to do the work. We cannot cut down the amount of work or change deadlines, but we can increase our energy levels. That is what you can achieve with meditation, yoga, and breathing practices."
Among the prominent institutions signing the MOU were Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, JIS University, JIS College of Engineering, MCKV - Institute of Engineering, Parama B.Ed College, Rahul Foundation, Rajendranath College of Polytechnic, Uluberia College, University of Burdwan, Haldia Institute of Technology, and Eastern India Chartered Accountants Students Association. Prof. Buddhadeb Sahu, a senior professor from Jadavpur University, also participated in the interaction.
The YES+ programme, successfully implemented in leading institutions globally, including IITs and IIMs in India, Yale University, and Stanford, focuses on equipping youth with tools to handle daily stressors effectively. The programme incorporates science-backed breathing practices and meditation to enhance mental health, emotional balance, and overall well-being. The Faculty Development Programme aims to build team connection, enhance resilience, and foster adaptability among educators.