Uttarakhand CM Releases Book on Student Wellness, Stresses Mental Health and Life Challenges

In a significant step towards promoting student welfare and mental health, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on July 26, 2025, released a book titled “Sustainable Wellness of Students: A Collective Responsibility in Higher Education” at a special program held at the Chief Minister’s residence auditorium in Dehradun. The initiative highlights the growing need to address the psychological and social challenges faced by students in higher education institutions.

Chief Minister’s Call for Student-Centric Efforts

While unveiling the book, CM Dhami emphasized that universities and higher educational institutions must adopt a student-centric approach that considers the psychology of students and provides holistic support systems. Acknowledged the pressures students face in academics and personal life and stressed that institutions should be developed as centres of both knowledge and welfare.

Appreciated the publication of the book and expressed the need for a Hindi version to ensure that its insights reach a wider student community across the state and country.

Link to National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttarakhand became the first state to implement the New National Education Policy (NEP). Apart from ensuring quality education and skill development, the state is placing special focus on student welfare and wellness, aligning with the vision of a holistic educational ecosystem.

About the Book: A Roadmap for Student Wellness

The book “Sustainable Wellness of Students: A Collective Responsibility in Higher Education”, jointly edited by Prof. Lata Pandey (Head of the Department of Home Science, DSB Campus, Kumaon University) and Dr. Ramanand (Director, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi), provides an in-depth exploration of student wellness.

It highlights various approaches to address student challenges, including,

• Mental health support and counselling
• Skill development and career guidance
• Rehabilitation and social upliftment measures
• Active role of stakeholders such as faculty, administrators, parents, and policymakers

The Director of the Higher Education Department, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pandey, was also present, affirming the state’s commitment to ensuring student-friendly policies and support structures.

Importance for Higher Education

The release of this book comes at a time when mental health concerns among students are rising globally due to academic stress, competition, and social pressures. By promoting student wellness as a collective responsibility, the initiative seeks to create an inclusive and supportive educational environment where students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.