Pune (Maharashtra) [India], March 11: In a significant step towards addressing the mental well-being of students, Sinhgad Institutes have adopted The Mind Sync Curriculum and Mental Health Education Inc. Florida Program in all their schools across Maharashtra. This initiative marks a transformative change in the educational landscape by integrating mental health education into the core of school learning. Pioneered by Dr. Shivam Dubey, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, and Manas Dubey, the Director and Founder of The Mind Sync Kids, this program is the result of extensive research in emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships. Designed for seamless integration into school curriculum, the initiative aims to foster emotional resilience among young learners.
The initiative goes beyond classroom walls, tackling the urgent need for emotional literacy and mental health education. By implementing structured methodologies, the program ensures that students are not only aware of their emotions but are also equipped with strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and interpersonal challenges.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), Ministry of Education and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 have highlighted pressing mental health concerns among students, including anxiety, body image issues, concentration difficulties, and lack of social support through surveys. These findings have led government bodies to recommend amalgamation of mental health education into the school curriculum, training teachers to function as first-level counsellors, and regular assessments of students. In direct alignment with such recommendations, The Mind Sync Curriculum offers a research-driven, structured approach to mental health education.
The Mind Sync Curriculum emphasizes five core Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) skills vital for students’ academic and personal development. These include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. By integrating these competencies into everyday learning, the program aims to build resilience, confidence, and emotional intelligence, preparing students to navigate challenges effectively.
The Mind Sync Kids has adopted the Triangle Training Philosophy to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable approach to mental health education by engaging students, and the two main pillars in their development- parents, and teachers.
Teachers undergo specialized training to become certified Mental Health Educators.
The program is then integrated into classrooms through the well-structured, research-proven Mental Health Education Curriculum Books where students learn through an activity-based approach.
Age-appropriate concepts are covered in the class once a week, following which the students imbibe the skills by practicing them daily at home on the Mind Sync Kids App.
Skill-based assessments are incorporated at specific intervals throughout the year to track the child’s development on a regular basis.
To further strengthen the support system, dedicated parent sessions are conducted, providing guidance on mental health and equipping parents with strategies to assist their children.
From the Mind Sync Team, psychologist Mayuri Godbole from Pune will play the role of the Program Manager to ensure the smooth and timely functioning of all aspects of The Mental Health Education program in all Sinhgad Schools.
Sinhgad School, Pune, has taken a groundbreaking step by committing to the mental health education of over 12,000 students across Maharashtra through the adoption of India’s first curriculum-based mental health education program. This decision signifies an acknowledgment of the urgent need for mental health education in today’s world, where students are increasingly facing stress, anxiety, and social pressures.
Dr. Mrs. Sunanda Navale, Founder Secretary of Sinhgad Institutes, Pune, emphasized the importance of integrating mental health education into the school curriculum. She stated, “With the growing concerns surrounding students’ mental health, it is imperative that we give mental health education the same importance as academic and physical education. By fostering emotional resilience from an early age, we can empower students to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. I encourage all educational institutions to incorporate this Mental Health Education Program by The Mind Sync so that students across the country can benefit from this essential learning.”
This decision is truly commendable, as it marks a paradigm shift in Indian education, where the long-term impact of this initiative will be seen in the development of emotionally intelligent, self-aware, and socially responsible individuals who are well-equipped to handle the challenges of the modern world. As more schools recognize the importance of mental health education, India can expect a nationwide shift toward a more emotionally intelligent generation.
For more information on their mental health program, visit www.themindsynckids.in.
