For decades, student mental health in India remained a neglected and under-discussed issue. While academic excellence was prioritised, emotional well-being was often overlooked, leading to a culture in which stress, anxiety and burnout were normalised.

Mental-health challenges among students were either dismissed as temporary or stigmatised as signs of weakness, preventing open dialogue and timely support. Educational institutions largely lacked the infrastructure, awareness and trained personnel required to address these concerns in a structured manner.

In recent years, however, there has been growing recognition of the deep emotional toll that academic and social pressures can take on students. High-profile incidents, rising cases of depression and suicide, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have brought mental health to the forefront of national concern. Policies such as NEP 2020 and initiatives such as Tele-MANAS reflect a systemic shift towards integrating mental well-being into education and public health.

The Mansik Shakti Foundation emerged in this context, bridging the gap between awareness and action. Through an evidence-based, technology-enabled approach, the Foundation represents a modern response to a long-standing issue—redefining mental-health support for India’s young people by combining tradition, innovation and compassion.