Odisha Students Demand Mental Health Support: Will the Government Listen?

In a heartfelt appeal, students across Odisha have come together to demand something long overdue—a dedicated mental health program tailored for their needs. With increasing academic pressure, personal struggles, and the emotional toll of competitive exams, young minds in the state are desperately seeking support.

One organization, Ek Sawal, has stepped forward as a beacon of hope. Working tirelessly to address student mental health concerns, Ek Sawal is now urging the Odisha Education Department to step in and take action. They are calling on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Education Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and BJP leader Suryabanshi Suraj to recognize the urgent need for structured mental health initiatives in schools and colleges.

Why Mental Health Support is Critical for Students

🔹 Rising stress levels: Exam anxiety, career uncertainty, and societal pressure are pushing students toward mental burnout.
🔹 Lack of professional guidance: Many students do not have access to proper counseling or psychological support.
🔹 Fear of stigma: Mental health is still a taboo subject in many parts of India, preventing students from seeking help.
🔹 Alarming statistics: Studies show that one in seven Indian students struggles with mental health issues, yet very few receive professional support.

What Students Are Asking For

The demand is simple: A government-backed student mental health program that includes—
✅ Free counseling sessions in schools and colleges.
✅ Workshops on stress management and emotional well-being.
✅ Helplines for students to seek guidance anonymously.
✅ Incorporating mental health awareness into the education system.

Students of Odisha plead for a dedicated student program on mental health.
Ek sawal is working dedicatedly for students mental health and wants to get support from the education dept of Odisha. Kindly help 🙏@CMO_Odisha @MohanMOdisha @suryabanshibjp #MentalHealth pic.twitter.com/1rso4DUtk7

— Ek sawal (@EkSawalcampaign) March 19, 2025

Will the Odisha Government Respond?

Students, teachers, and activists are now turning to social media, using #MentalHealth to make their voices heard. The ball is in the government’s court—will they step up and ensure the next generation doesn’t suffer in silence?

Mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And for Odisha’s students, the time for action is now.