A collaborative and comprehensive team of professionals, teachers, doctors, Voluntary organizations, and institutions from the field of mental health, education, skill development, public health, and medical research.
Freedom From Poverty Foundation Trust (Lucknow)
Amresh Srivastava, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, Western University, Canada, and his collaborators e.g., Global Alliance of Training and Education in mental health
A transformative initiative led by Dr. Amresh Shrivastava in collaboration with the Freedom from Poverty Foundation (FFPF) in Canada and GATE India, focused on student mental health, the prevention of suicide amongst students, and training teachers on student mental well-being. This unique collaboration brings together the expertise of mental health professionals, poverty alleviation advocates, and education specialists to address the pressing challenges faced by students in their mental well-being journey.
Recognizing the critical importance of student mental health and the need for comprehensive support systems within educational institutions, Dr. Shrivastava, FFPF, and GATE India joined forces to create a holistic framework that promotes student well-being, prevents suicide, and equips teachers with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively address mental health concerns among their students.
The collaboration between Dr. Shrivastava, FFPF, and GATE India brings together a wealth of knowledge, experience, and resources from various domains. Dr. Shrivastava, with his extensive background in psychiatry and mental health, contributes invaluable insights into student mental health and suicide prevention. FFPF, with its expertise in poverty alleviation and community development, recognizes the impact of socio-economic factors on student mental well-being. GATE India, known for its educational initiatives and community engagement, provides essential expertise in training teachers and fostering supportive learning environments.
The Mansik Shakti project adopts a multi-faceted approach to student mental health. It includes awareness campaigns, workshops, and training sessions aimed at sensitizing students, teachers, and parents about mental health issues and suicide prevention. By fostering open dialogue and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, the project strives to create a safe and supportive environment where students can seek help without fear or judgment.
In addition to student-focused initiatives, the project also recognizes the pivotal role of teachers in promoting student mental well-being. Through specialized training programs, teachers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify early signs of distress, provide appropriate support, and refer students to the necessary resources. By empowering teachers, the project ensures that the entire educational ecosystem becomes a proactive force in safeguarding student mental health.
The collaboration between Dr. Shrivastava, FFPF, and GATE India within the Mansik Shakti project represents a significant step forward in addressing student mental health, suicide prevention, and teacher training. By combining their expertise and resources, they are working towards creating a comprehensive support system that nurtures student mental well-being, fosters resilience, and promotes a culture of care within educational institutions.
The Mansik Shakti project by Dr. Amresh Shrivastava, in collaboration with the Freedom from Poverty Foundation (FFPF) in Canada and GATE India, serves as a beacon of hope for students facing mental health challenges. With a shared vision and collective efforts, this collaborative project has the potential to save lives, empower students, and transform educational environments into safe and nurturing spaces that prioritize mental well-being.
The Mansik Shakti project is an initiative launched by the Freedom from Poverty Foundation in collaboration with Indo-Canadian partners. It aims to address the pressing issue of student suicide prevention and promote mental health care among students in Uttar Pradesh, India. The project encompasses various components, including research and innovation, knowledge translation, training and education, and public awareness.
More than 10000 students die due to suicide every year in India. Student suicide is a significant problem in that has garnered attention and concern from various stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, parents, and mental health professionals. The high-pressure academic environment, intense competition, and societal expectations place immense stress on students, leading to an alarming number of suicides. Several factors contribute to the student suicide problem in India. Academic pressure is a prominent factor, as students face intense competition to excel in examinations and secure admission to prestigious educational institutions. The emphasis on rote learning, excessive workload, and a focus on grades over holistic development can lead to a tremendous burden on students, triggering feelings of failure, hopelessness, and despair.
This project recognizes the importance of collaboration and seeks to engage experts and stakeholders in different capacities. Under the leadership of Dr. Amresh Srivastava, a renowned psychiatrist and Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at Western University in Canada, the project aims to develop comprehensive strategies and interventions to prevent student suicides and improve mental well-being. Driven by the Global Alliance for Training and Education in Mental Health, India, the project seeks to provide effective support and resources to students, educators, and the wider community.
We have support from mental health professionals from the field of education, health, medical research, and other branches. We have developed a panel of advisors, an academic council, and a group of teaching faculties from prestigious medical and non-medical institutions as well as from voluntary organizations. Retired professors of psychiatry from the King Georges Medical University, Lucknow are amongst our advisors and teachers from the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, King Georges Medical University, Lucknow, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, JSS University Mysuru, LMTG Medical College, Mumbai, and others are amongst the group of teaching faculties.
The Mansik Shakti project holds the vision of creating a society that prioritizes mental health and supports students in their journey towards well-being. By fostering collaboration, research, education, and public awareness, the project aims to tackle the challenges of student suicide and promote mental health care in schools and communities.
Through its comprehensive approach and collaborative efforts, the Mansik Shakti project strives to make a meaningful impact in student mental health, reduce the incidence of suicide, and create a supportive and nurturing environment for students to thrive.
One of the key initiatives of the project is a webinar series designed to empower teachers. Recognizing the critical role teachers play in students’ lives, the webinar series aims to equip educators with knowledge and skills to identify signs of mental distress, provide appropriate support, and create a conducive environment for student well-being. Experts in the field of mental health and education are invited to share their insights and expertise, contributing to the professional development of teachers.
We are soliciting support from individuals, organizations, and social agencies for the cause of students’ mental health.
“Our mission is to empower students and foster their mental well-being by providing comprehensive and accessible mental health care services. We aim to create a supportive environment that nurtures their emotional, psychological, and social growth, enabling them to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.”
We strive to offer holistic mental health care services that address the diverse needs of students. Our approach encompasses prevention, early intervention, counseling, and referral services, ensuring that students receive the support they require throughout their educational journey. This we wish to accomplish through education, training, increasing awareness and by developing evidence-based interventions.
We endeavor to raise awareness about student mental health issues among students, parents, educators, and the broader community. By conducting educational programs, workshops, and campaigns, we aim to reduce stigma, enhance mental health literacy, and promote a culture of empathy and understanding.
We actively engage with educational institutions to foster partnerships and collaborative efforts. Through these partnerships, we work towards integrating mental health care into the educational system, establishing support structures within schools and colleges, and creating an environment that prioritizes student well-being.
We advocate for policy reforms at the local, regional, and national levels to ensure that student mental health receives the attention and resources it deserves. By engaging with policymakers, educators, and relevant stakeholders, we seek to influence policies that prioritize student mental health, including the allocation of adequate resources and the establishment of supportive frameworks.
We empower students to take an active role in their mental health care and well-being. Through peer support programs, student-led initiatives, and skill-building workshops, we encourage students to develop resilience, coping strategies, and self-care practices that promote their mental well-being.
We support research initiatives that focus on student mental health, aiming to contribute to the body of knowledge in this field. By promoting research and innovation, we strive to identify evidence-based practices, improve interventions, and develop effective strategies for student mental health care.
We believe that mental health care should be accessible to all students, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographical location. We work towards minimizing barriers to access, providing services in multiple languages, and reaching out to marginalized and underserved student populations.
We actively collaborate with mental health professionals, NGOs, community organizations, and relevant stakeholders to create a network of support and resources for student mental health care. By leveraging collective expertise and resources, we can create a more comprehensive and effective support system.
Through our commitment to these principles, we aim to make a lasting and positive impact on the mental well-being of students. By prioritizing student mental health, we strive to create a future where every student can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially, laying the foundation for a healthier and more resilient society.
The mission of the program is to promote and advocate for the mental health and well-being of students, ensuring they have access to quality support, resources, and education.
we aim to raise awareness about student mental health issues among the public, educational institutions, policymakers, and parents. This includes conducting workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to promote understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage early intervention.
The program works to influence policies and systems that impact student mental health at the local, regional, and national levels. By engaging with policymakers and stakeholders, it seeks to promote the integration of mental health services and support systems within educational institutions and advocate for policies that prioritize student well-being.
The program provides a range of support services to students, including counseling, helplines, and referrals to mental health professionals. It aims to ensure that students have access to timely and appropriate support, irrespective of their socio-economic background.
the program focuses on building the capacity of educational institutions, teachers, and parents to address student mental health effectively. This involves training programs, workshops, and resource development to equip stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills to support student well-being.
we actively seek collaborations and partnerships with educational institutions, mental health organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders. By working together, our organisation aims to leverage collective expertise, resources, and networks to create a comprehensive and integrated approach to student mental health.
The organisation conducts research and evaluation studies to generate evidence-based insights on student mental health issues and the effectiveness of interventions. This helps inform program development, policy advocacy, and the overall improvement of student mental health services.
it actively engages with students, parents, and the community to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for student mental health. This includes involving students in advocacy efforts, organizing peer support programs, and promoting mental health literacy within the community.
The program develops sustainable funding models to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of its programs and services. It actively seeks grants, donations, and partnerships to support its operations and expand its reach to more students in need.
The program establishes robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of its initiatives, measure outcomes, and continuously improve its programs. Regular monitoring and evaluation help ensure accountability, transparency, and the delivery of high-quality services.
A Non-profit organization, a Section 8 company registered under Companies Law 2013, Government of India. Registered with Darpan (NITI Ayog) 80 G- Donation to the trust is exempted from Income tax in India
We are dedicated to making students' lives easier by harnessing the confluence of technology and mental health solutions. In India, where the pressure on students is immense and mental health concerns often go unaddressed, we strive to bridge the gap between technology and mental health to provide innovative solutions and promote holistic well-being. WHO WE ARE A collaborative and comprehensive team of professionals, teachers, doctors, voluntary organizations, and institutions from the fields of mental health, education, skill development, public health, and medical research.
Amresh Srivastava, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, Western University, Canada, and his collaborators such as the Global Alliance of Training and Education in mental health.
Type of Organization: Section 8 company, non-profit
Mission: The foundation is dedicated to promoting mental health and academic excellence, particularly for students. Its core themes include:
The foundation seeks to promote mental health by:
The foundation emphasizes:
The foundation uses digital tools like mobile apps and web-based platforms to reach students and provide support.
The foundation’s organizational wing, GATE India (Global Alliance for Training and Education), focuses on promoting mental health education and training for carers, families, and professionals.
Dr. Amresh Srivastava
Type of Organization: Section 8 company, non-profit
Mission: The foundation is dedicated to promoting mental health and academic excellence, particularly for students. Its core themes include:
The foundation seeks to promote mental health by:
The foundation emphasizes:
The foundation uses digital tools like mobile apps and web-based platforms to reach students and provide support.
The foundation’s organizational wing, GATE India (Global Alliance for Training and Education), focuses on promoting mental health education and training for carers, families, and professionals.
Dr. Amresh Srivastava
