PU workshop stresses on importance of life skills, mental wellbeing in higher education

Patna: The week-long short-term course on “mental health, well-being and life skills in higher education institutions”, organised by the UGC Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), Patna University (PU), in collaboration with Magadh Mahila College MMC), concluded on Saturday. The program saw enthusiastic participation from 90 educators representing 16 states in the country.

Designed to enhance awareness and understanding of mental health challenges within academic environments, the course offered practical strategies to foster well-being among both faculty and students. It also focused on equipping participants with essential life skills to support their personal and professional growth in a holistic manner.

The programme received overwhelming appreciation for its interactive pedagogy, expert-led discussions, and multidisciplinary perspective. Participants acknowledged the initiative as highly relevant and impactful in addressing contemporary challenges faced by higher education institutions and their stakeholders.

Delivering the valedictory address, Prof Shekhar Seshadri of National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Banagalore, emphasised the growing significance of mental health and life skills in higher education and highlighted the role of teacher-educators in nurturing resilience, life skills, empathy, and coping strategies among all the stakeholders of the higher education institutions. MMTTC director Atul Aditya Pandey presided.

At the outset, MMC clinical psychologist and course coordinator Nidhi Singh welcomed the participants and outlined the importance of this short-term academic programme. MMC principal N P Varma urged to organise more such interactive programmes in future. MMTTC deputy director G B Chand proposed a vote of thanks.