Rishihood University launches MaNas to redefine mental health, psychology & behavioural education in India
The school was inaugurated by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and Rishihood University Chancellor and Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu, in the presence of over 150 distinguished guests.
Also present in the event were leading entrepreneurs, social activists, CXOs, and founders from across India and Nepal.
Also read: Himachal HC backs teacher, quashes govt orders curtailing sanctioned maternity leave
With the launch of the school, Rishihood University has positioned itself at the forefront of reimagining mental health education, a press statement informed.
Students at the Mahesh Navani School of Brain, Body, and Behaviour will engage in fieldwork from the first year through structured internships with hospitals, NGOs, startups, and educational institutions.
The school will also include the Human Augmentation Lab (HAL), offering learners an opportunity to explore the interface of psychology, neuroscience, and technology through wearables, cognitive devices, and behavioural sensors.
The program has been designed under the leadership of Professor Kanika Kohli, whose vision and expertise in both science and Indic knowledge systems will guide MaNaS toward becoming a global centre of excellence, the press statement added.
Speaking at the inauguration, Nobel Peace Laureate Satyarthi highlighted that mental health is one of the greatest challenges currently, and is often left in the shadows.
Also read: Why STEAM Matters: The crucial role of arts in shaping tomorrow's innovators
He added that MaNaS is not just an academic institution but a space to nurture courageous minds and compassionate hearts.
'In a world increasingly shaped by aggression, loneliness, and moral crisis, MaNaS can inspire a new model of education rooted in empathy, responsibility, and healing. I believe India must lead the way in globalising compassion — and this school is a powerful beginning,' the Nobel Peace Laureate said.
Suresh Prabhu, in his address, highlighted the transformative vision behind the initiative, and said that MaNaS reflects Rishihood University's commitment to reimagine human development through learning that integrates knowledge, behaviour, and empathy.
'By focusing on the intersection of brain, body, and behaviour, we are laying the foundation for a generation that can solve not just problems, but their root causes,' he added.
Also read: More than 50,000 applications received for admission to CM Shri Schools in Delhi
Echoing similar sentiment, Shobhit Mathur, Vice Chancellor of Rishihood University, said that MaNaS will not only train psychologists but also nurture problem-solvers who can apply behavioural insights across sectors.
"It is a bold step to create change-makers rooted in Indian values and global relevance, Mathur added.
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Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Rishihood University launches MaNas to redefine mental health, psychology & behavioural education in India
Rishihood University launched the Mahesh Navani School of Brain, Body, and Behaviour (MaNaS), an initiative aimed at transforming psychology and mental health education in India. MaNas was inaugurated by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and Rishihood University Chancellor and Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu, in the presence of more than 150 guests. The school was inaugurated by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and Rishihood University Chancellor and Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu, in the presence of over 150 distinguished guests. Also present in the event were leading entrepreneurs, social activists, CXOs, and founders from across India and Nepal. Also read: Himachal HC backs teacher, quashes govt orders curtailing sanctioned maternity leave With the launch of the school, Rishihood University has positioned itself at the forefront of reimagining mental health education, a press statement informed. Students at the Mahesh Navani School of Brain, Body, and Behaviour will engage in fieldwork from the first year through structured internships with hospitals, NGOs, startups, and educational institutions. The school will also include the Human Augmentation Lab (HAL), offering learners an opportunity to explore the interface of psychology, neuroscience, and technology through wearables, cognitive devices, and behavioural sensors. The program has been designed under the leadership of Professor Kanika Kohli, whose vision and expertise in both science and Indic knowledge systems will guide MaNaS toward becoming a global centre of excellence, the press statement added. Speaking at the inauguration, Nobel Peace Laureate Satyarthi highlighted that mental health is one of the greatest challenges currently, and is often left in the shadows. Also read: Why STEAM Matters: The crucial role of arts in shaping tomorrow's innovators He added that MaNaS is not just an academic institution but a space to nurture courageous minds and compassionate hearts. 'In a world increasingly shaped by aggression, loneliness, and moral crisis, MaNaS can inspire a new model of education rooted in empathy, responsibility, and healing. I believe India must lead the way in globalising compassion — and this school is a powerful beginning,' the Nobel Peace Laureate said. Suresh Prabhu, in his address, highlighted the transformative vision behind the initiative, and said that MaNaS reflects Rishihood University's commitment to reimagine human development through learning that integrates knowledge, behaviour, and empathy. 'By focusing on the intersection of brain, body, and behaviour, we are laying the foundation for a generation that can solve not just problems, but their root causes,' he added. Also read: More than 50,000 applications received for admission to CM Shri Schools in Delhi Echoing similar sentiment, Shobhit Mathur, Vice Chancellor of Rishihood University, said that MaNaS will not only train psychologists but also nurture problem-solvers who can apply behavioural insights across sectors. "It is a bold step to create change-makers rooted in Indian values and global relevance, Mathur added.
Business Standard
a day ago
- Business Standard
Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi inaugurates Rishihood University's Mahesh Navani School of Brain, Body, and Behaviour (MaNaS)
VMPL Sonipat (Haryana) [India], August 19: Rishihood University today formally launched the Mahesh Navani School of Brain, Body, and Behaviour (MaNaS), a pioneering initiative to transform psychology and mental health education in India. The school was inaugurated on campus by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and Rishihood University Chancellor & Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu, in the presence of over 150 distinguished guests, including leading entrepreneurs, social activists, CXOs, and founders from across India and even Nepal. Notable among them were Vishal Tulsyan, Anurag Goel, Aditya Pittie, Vivek Sharma, Rishi Raj, Mukesh Jain, and Bishesh Khanal. This momentous launch marks Rishihood's first endowed school, made possible through the generous support of Mahesh Navani, a visionary technocrat and philanthropist from Boston. With MaNaS, Rishihood University steps onto the global stage, raising the standard for academic excellence and positioning itself at the forefront of reimagining mental health education. The Mahesh Navani School of Brain, Body, and Behaviour introduces a future-facing curriculum that blends rigorous scientific training with the depth of India's civilizational wisdom. Students will be engaged in fieldwork from their very first year through structured internships with hospitals, NGOs, startups, and educational institutions. The school will also be home to the Human Augmentation Lab (HAL), where learners can explore the interface of psychology, neuroscience, and technology through wearables, cognitive devices, and behavioural sensors. The program has been designed under the leadership of Professor Kanika Kohli, whose vision and expertise in both science and Indic knowledge systems will guide MaNaS toward becoming a global centre of excellence. Speaking at the inauguration, Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi commended the initiative, saying, "Mental health is one of the greatest challenges of our time, yet it is often left in the shadows. I commend Rishihood University for launching MaNaS as a bold and timely intervention. This is not just an academic institution. It is a space to nurture courageous minds and compassionate hearts. In a world increasingly shaped by aggression, loneliness, and moral crisis, MaNaS can inspire a new model of education rooted in empathy, responsibility, and healing. I believe India must lead the way in globalising compassion -- and this school is a powerful beginning." Suresh Prabhu, Former Union Minister and Chancellor of Rishihood University, highlighted the transformative vision behind the initiative. He said, "The true purpose of education is not just to inform minds but to transform lives. MaNaS reflects Rishihood University's commitment to reimagine human development through learning that integrates knowledge, behaviour, and empathy. By focusing on the intersection of brain, body, and behaviour, we are laying the foundation for a generation that can solve not just problems, but their root causes." Echoing this sentiment, Shobhit Mathur, Vice Chancellor of Rishihood University, said, "Rishihood University began with the conviction that education should spark national transformation. With the launch of MaNaS, we are addressing one of the most critical challenges of our time--mental health. This school will not only train psychologists but also nurture problem-solvers who can apply behavioural insights across sectors. It is a bold step to create change-makers rooted in Indian values and global relevance." The inauguration of MaNaS signals a new chapter in Rishihood's journey. The school aims to lead globally in developing evidence-based, culturally rooted, and system-integrated solutions to mental well-being, youth anxiety, leadership development, and community care. More than an academic institution, MaNaS represents a movement to restore balance, health, and purpose to human life. With cutting-edge laboratories, pathbreaking research, policy interventions, and a new generation of healers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and leaders, MaNaS is poised to redefine mental health education in India and beyond. Rooted in Bharat yet reaching the world, MaNaS reflects the university's resolve to globalise compassion and inspire a future of resilient, empathetic, and purpose-driven individuals. About Rishihood University Rishihood University is India's first impact-focussed university, founded by technocrats, philanthropists, policymakers, social and spiritual leaders, entrepreneurs, and educators. Founded with the vision of creating impactful leaders across various domains of life, Rishihood delivers a learning experience that is rooted in tradition, global in approach, and futuristic in outcomes. The university is on a mission to nurture impact-driven learners who seek truth, solve problems, and champion national transformation.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Govt's Tele-MANAS logs over 24 lakh calls since '22 launch
Kota: Tele-MANAS helpline , the flagship initiative of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare , has emerged as a critical lifeline for mental health support across India as, since its launch in 2022, it had received over 24 lakh calls -- an average of over 2500 calls a day, according to an RTI reply. Operated under the aegis of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, the helpline was launched on October 10, 2022. Between December 1, 2022 and July 24, 2025, the helpline has attended to an astounding 24,25,885 calls from 37 states and Union Territories, the RTI reply said. This translates to an average of 2,511 calls per day, underscoring the growing urgency of mental health concerns in the country. The Right to Information (RTI) was filed by a Kota-based activist and advocate Sujeet Swami in June 2024 and the response was provided on July 31. The helpline, designed to provide 24x7 free tele-mental health services , especially to remote and underserved areas, has become a beacon of hope for millions. The data highlights a diverse range of callers, with the 31-60 age group leading with 2,86,286 calls (approximately 296 calls per day), followed by the 19-30 age group with 1,98,409 calls (205 calls per day). Meanwhile, the 60 years and above age group contributed 37,745 calls (39 calls per day). This distribution reflects the pervasive nature of mental health challenges across all age demographics. The helpline received the most number of calls from Uttar Pradesh at 4,39,164 calls (455 calls per day), indicating a significant mental health burden in the state. In contrast, Lakshadweep recorded the lowest 722 calls. Tamil Nadu recorded 3,87,190 calls, Odisha 2,30,117, Maharashtra 1,83,442 calls and Rajasthan also 39,996 calls. The calls reflected a variety of stressors with 43,346 calls linked to study stress, 22,740 job-related issues, 73,377 financial problems, 17,826 associated with relationship issues, and 18,377 stemming from family conflicts, the RTI data showed Sujeet Swami, who spearheaded the RTI effort, emphasized the gravity of the situation and said, "Despite a lack of widespread awareness and promotion, the Tele-MANAS helpline is receiving 2,511 calls daily. This is a clear indicator that mental health is a pressing national issue." "The central government and state administrations must now seriously consider developing a uniform National Mental Health Policy to address this growing crisis," he said. Swami further noted that while awareness about mental health is increasing, many individuals still hesitate to seek help openly. "People often struggle silently or seek solutions from untrained family members, which can exacerbate their problems. There is an urgent need for robust awareness campaigns and accessible mental health infrastructure," he added. The Tele-MANAS helpline 14416 or 1-800-891-4416, supports multiple languages, ensuring inclusivity across India's diverse population. Swami said in light of the escalating mental health concerns among minors, eight mental health experts, including himself, from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana have filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) with the Rajasthan high court's Jaipur bench. The petition demands the implementation of a uniform mental health curriculum and the mandatory appointment of psychological counsellors in all schools, colleges, and universities across Rajasthan, regardless of their private, government, or deemed status. The PIL highlights suicide data for individuals up to 25 years of age in Kota, Jhalawar, Baran, Sikar, Jodhpur, and Jaipur from 2020 to 2025, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced mental health support in educational institutions.
