BENGALURU (India CSR): Manipal Academy of Higher Education Bengaluru (MAHE), one of India’s leading higher education institutions, has unveiled ‘Manam’, a pioneering mental and emotional well-being program designed to support students beyond academics. The initiative aims to enhance emotional intelligence, resilience, and workplace readiness, ensuring students are equipped to handle both personal and professional challenges effectively.
With mental health gaining increased attention in educational spaces, Manam takes a proactive approach by providing counseling, peer support, mindfulness training, and movement therapy—all free of charge. MAHE is setting a new standard by making mental and emotional wellness a structured, accessible, and impactful part of student life.
A Program Designed for Holistic Growth
Manam is India’s first large-scale institutional well-being initiative, offering students practical strategies to manage emotions, self-awareness, and stress. The program will cover:
- Understanding the Body-Mind-Spirit Connection
- Mental Resilience and Emotional Regulation
- Overcoming Insecurities (Including Body Image Issues)
- Managing Anger, Anxiety, and Frustration
- Creating Personalized Wellness Plans
Sessions will be interactive, experiential, and practice-driven, blending cognitive and energy-based techniques to provide real-world tools for students’ emotional well-being.
Key Highlights of the ‘Manam’ Program
- Voluntary and Non-Graded: Students can enroll freely without any academic credit pressures. Upon completion, they will receive a Certificate of Completion, which adds value to their resume.
- Eligibility and Enrollment: The pilot batch is open to second- and third-year undergraduate students, as well as postgraduate and Ph.D. candidates. Students can register via the Manam website.
- No Additional Cost: MAHE is offering the program completely free, making it accessible to all students.
- Long-Term Impact: By building emotional intelligence (EI), the program will give students an edge in job interviews and workplace settings, where EI is increasingly valued.
Leadership Insights on the Initiative
Speaking about the need for such a program, Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, stated:
“At MAHE, we wanted to create a space where students feel safe to express themselves. We conducted surveys, engaged in discussions, and listened to students’ concerns. This led to the birth of Manam—a platform that goes beyond conventional counseling, providing students with practical, engaging, and enjoyable ways to enhance their well-being. Mental well-being is just as important as academic success, and through Manam, we are committed to fostering a culture of support, awareness, and emotional resilience.”
Bridging the Mental Health Gap
With a student base of over 7,000 and growing, MAHE recognizes that traditional counseling services alone are not enough. Manam bridges this gap by fostering self-learning, peer engagement, and expert guidance.
Maheima Kapur, Core Facilitator of Manam, explained the program’s significance:
“Manam was created to normalize conversations around mental health. Many students hesitate to seek professional help due to stigma. This program ensures they not only recognize when they need support but also feel encouraged to ask for it. We’ve designed it to resonate with Gen Z, making mental wellness both accessible and relatable.”
Breaking the Stigma, Creating a Stronger Community
Mental health struggles often carry taboos and misconceptions, preventing students from seeking timely support. Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu, Deputy Registrar, MAHE Bengaluru, emphasized how Manam will change this:
“Manam is about changing mindsets. We want to create an environment where mental and emotional well-being is openly discussed, free from stigma. It’s not just about helping students through tough times but empowering them to build emotional strength for life. This initiative reinforces our commitment to the overall development of students—not just as learners but as future leaders.”
Empowering Students for a Balanced Future
Manam is not just a mental health initiative—it’s a movement that will help students navigate life with confidence. By integrating self-awareness, resilience-building, and peer support, MAHE is setting a benchmark for holistic student development.
With mental wellness becoming a global priority, initiatives like Manam are redefining the role of educational institutions in shaping not just careers but lives.
(India CSR)
