Ministry of Education, part of central government, runs Manodarpan portal to give free mental health support to students across India. Launched on 21 July 2020 under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, this portal is still active and helps school, college and university students handle stress, anxiety and exam pressure.
National toll free helpline number 8448440632 is open from 8 AM to 8 PM every day for students, parents and teachers who need someone to talk to. Students can also call Tele-MANAS at 14416 or 1800-89-14416, a separate mental health helpline run by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Manodarpan Portal for Student Mental Health Support
Manodarpan initiative covers a set of activities to support the mental health and well being of students. It was included in Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan as part of strengthening human capital in the education sector. Ministry of Education felt a need to focus on both academic learning and mental well being of students, especially after online classes became a regular part of school and college life.
Portal gives separate tips for school students, teachers and parents, and also for college or university students, faculty and families. It includes a handbook on 21st century skills, motivational posters, CBSE podcasts and messages from well known personalities. Anyone can use these resources for free, no registration needed.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Portal Name | Manodarpan |
| Launched By | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Launch Date | 21 July 2020 |
| Part Of | Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan |
| Beneficiaries | School, college and university students, teachers and parents |
| Toll Free Helpline | 8448440632 (8 AM to 8 PM, all days) |
| Additional Helpline | Tele-MANAS - 14416 or 1800-89-14416 |
| Official Website | manodarpan.education.gov.in |
Tips for School Students, Teachers & Parents
| Quality Family time | Spend time by playing with family on board games, antakshari, other indoor games, music and crafts. |
| Learning can be fun | Creative thinking can go beyond the academic learning by participating in household chores, supporting younger siblings and parents. |
| Interactive Online classes | Support teachers in participating actively in online classes which will go a long way for enriching the utility and productivity of these times. |
| Empower Adolescent Peer Support | Come forth to be a peer educator/mentor by initiating and innovating online based peer support programs on life skills enrichments. |
| Learning with Life Skills | Encourage children to read and exchange things they have read or learnt beyond textbooks. |
| Engage in Playful Activities | Drawing/painting or story telling can help them express their feelings in a safe and supportive environment which can release emotions like fear or anxiety. |
| Provide Support and Attention | Seek guidance from the school principal/counsellor or special educators about a child with special needs and contact the local medical authority, if needed. |
| Promote Resilience | Motivate children to write about new skills and positive stories they have developed being at home and how they are spending their time with family. |
| Active Listening | Actively listen to children's difficulties, clarifying doubts, reassuring them, generating hope and providing emotional support in resolving issues. |
| Be a Role Model | Children are very perceptive and closely observe your actions. Parents can support by managing their own stressors so that they can be role models. |
| Healthy Lifestyles | Set time for sleep, waking up, healthy balanced diet, learning and playtime as structured schedule to stay focused and motivated. |
| Provide Authentic Information | Share verified facts and information with children which will help in reducing fear and distinguishing them from myths & rumours. |
Tips for University / College Students, Faculty & Families
| Prioritize self-care | In times of uncertainty, focus on what you can control and take care of yourself to stay healthy. |
| Use Healthy Coping | Plan for your next goal, learn new skills or connect with friends and family. |
| Acknowledge your feelings | It is normal to feel anxious or worried. Recognize your feelings and express them with someone you trust to feel better. |
| Support your students | Send positive messages and connect with your students. Extend emotional support if needed. |
| Care and Share | Care for yourself and your family and reach out to friends, colleagues and your family to relieve any stress. |
| Identify professional support | Familiarise yourself with available counseling services for students in campus, online or over phone. |
| Validate their feelings | Support your ward and empathise with their feelings. |
| Provide Active Support | Interact with your ward and reassure them that you are there for them. |
| Improvise daily schedule | Engage in pleasant indoor activities like games and music with all family members. |
When to Seek Professional Help
Students who feel low, anxious or overwhelmed for more than two weeks should talk to a trusted teacher, parent or counsellor without delay. Manodarpan helpline counsellors listen to the problem and guide callers on simple steps to feel better. Cases which need more support get referred to a mental health professional near the caller's location. Calling the helpline does not cost anything and the conversation stays private.
FAQ's
What is Manodarpan portal
Manodarpan is a Ministry of Education scheme that gives psychosocial support to school, college and university students for their mental health and well being, along with a toll free helpline, tip sheets and resources for students, teachers and parents.
Who can call Manodarpan helpline
Any student, parent or teacher across India can call the helpline number 8448440632 between 8 AM and 8 PM on any day of the week.
Is Manodarpan helpline free to use
Yes, the helpline is toll free and the tip sheets, posters and other resources on the portal are also free to download and use.
What is the difference between Manodarpan and Tele-MANAS
Manodarpan is run by Ministry of Education mainly for students, teachers and parents. Tele-MANAS is a wider mental health helpline run by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for people of all ages, reachable at 14416 or 1800-89-14416.
Is Manodarpan portal still active
Yes, Manodarpan continues to run as part of the government's ongoing support system for student mental health, alongside newer services like Tele-MANAS.
For more details and full set of resources, visit the official website at manodarpan.education.gov.in.