Coronavirus pandemic has changed the fabric of life for millions across the globe due to lockdown and isolation orders. These unprecedented times have not only affected our economy but brought some drastic changes for our mental health as well owing to which stress, anxiety, suicidal tendencies are at an arguably high point. Society at large is subjected to enormous amount of stress caused by financial burden and loss of jobs thus mental health professionals across the globe are advising to take extra care and reconnect with life as pandemic repercussions are expected. Coronavirus not only led to the closure of malls and shops, but educational institutions as well and subsequent lockdowns pushed schools to shift from traditional classroom system to digital mode of learning impacting over 240 million children in the country. These virtual classrooms became a question of concern for students residing in remote areas. The challenge before the administration was not only to cater to handful of fortunate students who could avail online education but also to help unfortunate ones with no internet accessibility. Presumably, students are having a hard time as the usual debate and deliberations of traditional classrooms could not be replicated in virtual classes. Recently, Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank launched ‘Manodarpan’ initiative with the aim to provide psycho-social support and counselling to students for mental health and well-being. Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) had already constituted a psychological task force of more than 130 faculty members to strengthen the counselling set up in Jammu region. The department has also nominated around 30 District and Zonal Counselling Co-ordinators to coordinate counselling activities in ten districts of Jammu region. All the DCCs and ZCCs with psychology background will play crucial role in awareness and information dissemination regarding Manodarpan initiative. Around 15-20 counsellors are already working for tele-counselling helpline in 2-hour shifts from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. They have attended almost 4000 calls during last 3 months and helped students, parents, and teachers in mitigating their psychological needs. Director School Education, Jammu, Anuradha Gupta, during the orientation-cum-training programme interacted with officials associated with counselling and talked to them about emerging mental health concerns with specific focus on kids, adolescents, and teenagers, especially learners with disabilities. Catering to students living in far away regions of Jammu with no internet connection, DSEJ introduced Radio Classes from 10:20 a.m. to 12.20 p.m. daily.
