Mental health support for students
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) treats mental health as a universal right, offering free counselling through its Student Support Centre (SSC) on all campuses. Students can confidentially access professional support for academic stress, emotional challenges, or personal concerns—promoting sustainability through equitable access to care. At MAHE Bengaluru, the Manam Programme enhances this model by integrating proactive wellbeing resources, including peer support groups, a dedicated website featuring mindfulness modules and self-help tools, and expert-led workshops on sexual wellness, resilience, and mindfulness (MAHE launches Manam – EducationWorld). Similarly, at MAHE Dubai, the Wellness Hub provides one-on-one counselling sessions, awareness campaigns, and regular wellness activities to ensure that students across campuses have continuous access to emotional and psychological support (MAHE Dubai Wellness Hub).
Beyond counselling, MAHE fosters a culture of mental health awareness and advocacy through interactive events and campaigns. The Marathon for Mental Health (2024) united over 1,000 participants, raising awareness on World Mental Health Day (MAHE News – Marathon for Mental Health, Daijiworld Coverage). Observances such as World Suicide Prevention Day (2024) featured guest lectures, school outreach, parenting workshops, and a student reel-making competition (MAHE News – Change the Narrative on Suicide, Instagram – MIT Student Welfare Reel). The Wall of Positivity (2024) installation encouraged reflective engagement with wellbeing themes (PSPH News – Wall of Positivity). On the global stage, the Asia-Pacific Adolescent Mental Health Conference (AMHCON 2024) positioned MAHE as a thought leader in adolescent wellness. Additionally, Lifestyle and Mental Health Workshops at MCON and WGSHA, and a six-week Meditation and Conscious Living Course, provided mindfulness and resilience training to hundreds of students.
MAHE’s integrated model—combining free clinical care, counselling, education, and awareness—embodies the true essence of sustainable development in mental health. The outcomes are measurable: free counselling services available at all campuses; thousands of students participating in wellbeing events; and tangible reductions in stigma, particularly among male students, as supported by KMC Psychiatry research showing that 40% of Indian men do not openly discuss mental health. By prioritizing emotional resilience and inclusivity, MAHE advances the UN’s agenda for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and reinforces that sustainable development is equally about psychological health, dignity, and human connection.