Empowering Futures: Transforming Lives with Mental Health Education for 10,000 Students in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
Tekion has joined forces with the NGO Mind and Matter to make a significant difference for over 10,000 students across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu this year. This initiative, part of Tekion’s CSR program dubbed ‘Tekion for Good,’ aims to address mental health issues and dismantle the stigma often associated with it. By providing high-quality mental health resources, the partnership seeks to serve underprivileged communities in semi-urban and rural areas.
Deepika Appaiah, founder of Mind and Matter, emphasized the importance of normalizing mental health as an integral part of society, stating, “We must normalize mental health as an essential part of our social fabric.” The program is designed for children aged nine and older, teenagers, parents, and educators within both government and private schools. A standout feature of this initiative is its vernacular approach, offering activity-based sessions and mental health resources in regional languages. This commitment ensures that linguistic barriers do not prevent access to vital support.
The curriculum includes specialized modules created by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) and is delivered by trained volunteers. This structure aims to cultivate safe environments and compassionate support systems within educational institutions. Santosh Golecha, Head of the Chennai Engineering Center at Tekion, remarked, “Mental health is often viewed through an urban, elite lens, but resilience is a universal need.” He further defined the sessions as essential tools for the next generation to foster a balanced and healthy future.
The program also focuses on creating a sustainable volunteer ecosystem, essential for maintaining long-term mental health awareness and support. The activity-based approach facilitates open dialogues about emotions, empathy, and well-being, making these discussions accessible to both young people and their educators. The inaugural session for schools and colleges took place at the Sir Mutha School in Chennai, attracting approximately 180 students.
Beyond the school setting, Tekion is expanding its support for the ‘Sundays for Mental Health’ initiative by Mind and Matter, which operates in several Indian cities. This community-focused program aims to enhance resilience-building workshops available to all age groups in public spaces across Chennai, Puducherry, and Bengaluru.
Mind and Matter has established itself as a leading advocate for mental health, positively impacting over 27,000 lives through various programs in the last five years. Their recent initiative, “Music for Mental Health,” has received national acclaim for its innovative approach to well-being throughout major regions of India.
Through this partnership, Tekion and Mind and Matter are working to create a more mentally healthy generation, striving to ensure that mental wellness reaches everyone, regardless of social or economic barriers. As mental health becomes an increasingly critical focus in society, initiatives like this promise to pave the way for a more supportive environment for all.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/csr-initiative-to-provide-mental-health-education-to-10000-students-in-karnataka-and-tamil-nadu/article70736558.ece
Category : Karnataka
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Publish Date: 2026-03-13 04:48:00
