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Higher Ed: Mental Health Matters in Classrooms
7 Sep
Summary
- Experts urge mental health integration in higher education.
- Online course launched for mental health and life skills.
- 160 participants attend from 21 diverse states.
Mental health and emotional well-being must be integrated into higher education, according to experts who spoke at the inauguration of a six-day online course at Patna University on Monday, September 8, 2026. The course, "Mental Health, Well-being and Life Skills in Higher Educational Institutions," was launched by the UGC-Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC) in collaboration with Magadh Mahila College (MMC).
Salman Akhtar, emeritus professor of psychiatry, emphasized the importance of teachers' sensitivity to students' psychological needs, highlighting empathy in the teacher-student relationship. Course coordinator Nidhi Singh stated the program targets the increasing mental health issues faced by students and faculty. Director Atul Aditya Pandey and Principal N P Verma stressed creating inclusive academic settings and enhancing faculty development.
The inaugural day featured sessions on trauma-informed education and fostering positive mental health ecosystems. The program has drawn 160 professionals from 21 states, covering disciplines from psychology and medicine to engineering and humanities, indicating a broad interest in addressing these crucial issues.
