Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 9 Jun: In view of the Government of India’s initiative to develop a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)-based curriculum for PM SHRI schools during the academic year 2026–27, a one-day State-Level Workshop was organised today at the SCERT Auditorium, here, under the chairpersonship of Mrs. Akanksha Konde, Director General of School Education, Uttarakhand, and State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha Uttarakhand.
The workshop was attended by senior officials of the Education Department, academicians, subject experts, and representatives of partner organisations.
Addressing the gathering, Akanksha Konde emphasised that alongside academic achievement, it is equally important for students to be mentally and emotionally strong. She stated that Social and Emotional Learning is an effective means of developing self-awareness, empathy, leadership qualities, communication skills, and positive decision-making abilities among students.
During the workshop, the magazine, “Anandita”, published by teachers from Bhagwanpur Block of Haridwar district, was formally released by Konde. In her presidential address, she remarked that the purpose of education is not merely to achieve academic excellence but also to nurture sensitive, responsible, and aware citizens who can contribute positively to society. She stressed the effective implementation of Anandam and SEL-based activities in schools and encouraged every district and block to undertake innovative initiatives whose positive impact is clearly visible in students’ behaviour and personality development.
Bandana Gabryal, Director, Academic Research and Training, Uttarakhand, highlighted the objectives of the workshop. She informed participants that, based on the successful implementation of the Anandam curriculum at the primary level since 2019, an SEL-based curriculum is now being developed for students from Classes 6 to 12. The curriculum aims to foster self-confidence, sensitivity, empathy, leadership qualities, and life skills among students.
State Nodal Officer for Anandam, Dr BP Maindoli, informed the participants that the SEL-based curriculum being developed for PM SHRI schools aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Harvard University’s Social and Emotional Learning Framework, Manodarpan, and the Ummeed guidelines. The curriculum is designed to strengthen students’ mental health, emotional well-being, and life skills.
The workshop also featured discussions on several key topics, including the establishment of “Mind and Wellness Cells” in PM SHRI schools across the state, the creation of safe and positive school environments, counseling services, yoga, and the promotion of creative activities.
Among those present were Bandana Gabryal, Director, Academic Research and Training; KS Rawat, Additional Director, Elementary Education; other Additional Directors; Chief Education Officers; District Education Officers (Elementary and Secondary); Block Education Officers; Deputy Education Officers; DIET Principals; District Anandam Coordinators; DIET lecturers; representatives of partner organisations including Labhya Foundation, Dream a Dream, and Consciously; as well as teachers from across the state.
