The Student Counselling Cell (SCC) at Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, successfully organized a vibrant “TELE-MANAS: Awareness Carnival” on April 23, 2026. The event aimed to foster mental health awareness among students through engaging, interactive, and enjoyable activities that promoted connection, positivity, and emotional well-being on campus.
The carnival was graced by the presence of Dr. Sulata Bhandari, Head, SCC; Ms. Ankita Sharma, TELE-MANAS Counsellor; along with Mr. Naveen and Ms. Tanvi, Student Counsellors at PEC, who actively encouraged student participation and dialogue around mental health.
TELE-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) is a flagship initiative of the Government of India under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). It operates as a part of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), with the vision of providing universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality mental health care through 24x7 tele-mental health services across all States and Union Territories.
The programme is structured as a two-tier system. Tier 1 consists of State Tele-MANAS cells staffed with trained counsellors and mental health professionals, while Tier 2 includes specialized support from District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) resources and medical colleges, offering advanced care through physical or audio-visual consultations via platforms like eSanjeevani.
With a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity, TELE-MANAS aims to significantly expand the reach of mental health services across the country, ensuring timely support for individuals, including those in vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations. The initiative also integrates counselling with medical and psychosocial interventions, including video consultations, e-prescriptions, follow-ups, and referrals for in-person care.
The awareness carnival at PEC brought these objectives to life through games, light-hearted challenges, and exciting prizes, creating a welcoming and supportive environment. By blending fun with meaningful conversations, the event successfully highlighted the importance of mental well-being and encouraged students to seek help without hesitation.
