As a psychology student, I expected to learn about mental health in books and classes. I didn’t expect how often I’d start recognizing the symptoms I study, not just in case studies, but in my friends, classmates, and even myself. So many young people today are dealing with anxiety and depression, more than ever before. It’s in the friend who always seems tired but says they’re “fine.” The classmate who skips meals or can’t focus. The person who laughs at memes about burnout, but secretly desperately wants a break.

Anxiety and depression are real problems that are becoming more common among teens and young adults. According to recent studies, Gen Z (ages 12–27) reports the highest levels of psychological distress of any generation. Many feel worried all the time, tired even after rest, and like nothing they do is good enough. Some lose interest in things they used to enjoy. Some even feel hopeless or numb.

So what’s causing this?

· Academic pressure that seems never-ending.

· Social media that makes you feel ‘not enough’.

· Family and societal expectations that feels too heavy.

· Uncertainty about the future, from jobs to the climate crisis.

· And above all, a culture that still tells us to “toughen up” instead of “open up.”

Through studying psychology, I’ve realized that we can’t fix what we don’t talk about. And unfortunately, many young people still suffer in silence, afraid of being labelled dramatic or weak. But mental illness is not a weakness.

What we need now is:

· More awareness, especially in schools and colleges.

· Access to mental health services without stigma or shame.

· Real conversations about what it feels like to struggle and survive.

How Prayan Is Making a Difference in Youth Mental Health

With anxiety and depression rising among young people, support needs to start early, especially in schools. That’s where Prayan steps in with Initiative Sukriti, a program focused on the social and mental development of children in government schools.

Here’s how Sukriti helps:

• 🧠 Mental Health Awareness: Simple, open conversations about stress, emotions, and mental well-being.
• 🗣️ Safe Spaces: Giving children room to talk about what they’re feeling without fear.
• 🎯 Emotional Skill-Building: Fun activities that teach kids how to manage anger, anxiety, and self-esteem.

By reaching young minds early, Prayan is helping create emotionally healthier classrooms and futures. Sometimes, the most important lesson a child can learn is: your feelings matter.

At exactly 7:45 AM, the local train was running on time. But something else was even more unusual that day: five very special passengers had boarded the second-class compartment, quietly sitting among the city’s daily chaos.

First was Digital India, standing confidently by the door, one hand gripping the pole, the other sending money home through UPI. “People were impressed when street vendors got QR codes,” it said. “But I’m not here to impress. I’m here to empower. Rural folks with smartphones now have access to credit, savings, identity — and a shot at stability.”

Next to the window sat Green Growth, wearing earthy cotton and earbuds playing a clean energy podcast. “They thought I’d slow things down,” it said, smiling. “But now I power solar farms, fuel EV revolutions, and attract investors who want profits and a planet.”

Opposite, Human Capital was busy juggling tabs on a second-hand laptop. “I used to be just ‘cheap labour,’” it shrugged. “But now, I’m remote workers, coders, creators. We’re exporting skills, not just services. Brains with broadband — that’s the new Indian export.”

In the corner, Formal Economy looked slightly overwhelmed with Aadhaar-linked files, tax records, and digital receipts. “It’s chaos, yes,” it said. “But every vendor added to the system is a future loan recipient. Every gig worker counted is one step closer to social security. But yes, I’m just here to make sure everyone leaves a paper trail”

Finally, standing near luggage corner, was Women’s Labour Force, smiled, “I raise families, I manage homes, I run businesses — all unpaid or underpaid,” she said. “But give me childcare, mobility, respect… and I’ll give you growth your spreadsheets can’t even model.”

As the train screeched into one station, no one noticed the five stepping off. But they weren’t waiting for applause. A board on train’s door read, “Progress: Not just for the few. Hop in.” It might just begin in an overstuffed train, with Wi-Fi, sweat, and ambition — where possibility sits shoulder-to-shoulder with reality.

After all, transformation doesn’t always roar.

Sometimes, it travels second class.

We’ve all studied EVS (Environmental Studies) in school — those chapters about forests, animals, pollution, and saving the Earth. At the time, it felt like just another subject. Maybe we memorised facts about endangered animals or drew neat diagrams of the food chain. Then we moved on.

But as we grow up, we start noticing things around us — trees being cut, animals disappearing, weather becoming unpredictable, and the air not feeling as fresh anymore. That’s when we realise that all those lessons were actually about real problems we’re now living through. By the time we reach college and dive deeper into the subject, we realise how serious things actually are. All those EVS chapters feel real.

Nature isn’t just something “out there.” It’s part of us. And it’s in danger. At the heart of it all is wildlife conservation- the effort to protect not just animals, but the entire web of life they belong to. Every insect, bird, tree, and animal has a role in maintaining balance. When we lose a species, we lose a piece of that balance.

There’s something we forget though — Conservation doesn’t only happen in forests or by scientists. It can begin in our own neighbourhoods, in the smallest acts of care.

What does small-scale wildlife conservation look like?

· Feeding stray animals during summer and winter

· Keeping water bowls outside for birds and dogs during hot days

· Saying no to firecrackers during festivals to protect animals from loud sounds

· Supporting animal shelters or even volunteering for feeding drives

What Prayan is Doing ?

Prayan Foundation is doing just that- it is taking small steps towards conservation of the wildlife. Through Initiative Karuna, they are:

· Doing animal feeding drives to help stray animals and birds.

· Running awareness drives to teach people how to care for wildlife and protect nature.

Their work shows that compassion (karuna) is the first step to saving wildlife.

 

Amar was just 16 when he realized he was different. He loved poetry, soft monsoon music, and his best friend, Ravi. But in a town where love had strict rules, Amar broke them simply by being himself.

Like Amar, many people in the LGBTQ community live with fear-fear of rejection, violence, or being called “unnatural.” But here’s the truth:

There’s nothing more natural than being true to yourself.

Why LGBTQ Rights Matter

LGBTQ people are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for the same rights every human deserves. These include:

• The right to love without fear or shame.
• The right to live openly, without hiding their identity.
• The right to safety in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
• Access to healthcare, including mental health support and gender-affirming care.
• Legal recognition, including identity documents that reflect their true gender.
• Freedom from discrimination in jobs, housing, education, and society.

LGBTQ rights are about respect, dignity, and equality.

What Happens Without These Rights?

Without legal protection and social acceptance, LGBTQ individuals often face:

• Bullying and mental health struggles, including depression and anxiety.
• Discrimination at work or while renting a home.
• Rejection from family or community.
• Harassment, violence, or even “corrective” crimes.
• Lack of access to supportive healthcare or identity services.

Imagine being afraid to love someone or not being allowed to use the restroom that matches your gender. These are everyday battles for many.

Rights = Respect = Representation

When LGBTQ individuals are supported, society becomes safer and more equal for everyone. LGBTQ rights send one strong message:
“You matter. You belong. You are not alone.”

When these rights are protected, people like Amar no longer have to write poems in silence. They can love openly, live proudly, and dream freely — just like anyone else.

How Prayan Foundation Is Supporting Change

NGO working toward this goal is Prayan Foundation.

Through its initiative called Project SAMPADA, Prayan helps bridge the gap between government schemes and marginalized communities-including LGBTQ individuals. Here’s how:

• Connecting people to government services like healthcare, legal identity, housing, and welfare schemes.
• Creating awareness through workshops and community outreach.
• Offering legal and emotional support to those facing discrimination.
• Empowering individuals to claim their rights and live with dignity.

SAMPADA is not just a project-it’s a lifeline for many who are otherwise left unheard and unseen.

Love doesn’t need permission.
But people need protection, recognition, and rights.

Until every Amar can live proudly, speak freely, and love openly-our job isn’t done.

Because true pride is not just about a rainbow flag; it’s about a world where everyone feels safe under it.

 

Amar was just 16 when he realized he was different. He loved poetry, soft monsoon music, and his best friend, Ravi. But in a town where love had strict rules, Amar broke them simply by being himself.

Like Amar, many people in the LGBTQ community live with fear-fear of rejection, violence, or being called “unnatural.” But here’s the truth:

There’s nothing more natural than being true to yourself.

Why LGBTQ Rights Matter

LGBTQ people are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for the same rights every human deserves. These include:

• The right to love without fear or shame.
• The right to live openly, without hiding their identity.
• The right to safety in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
• Access to healthcare, including mental health support and gender-affirming care.
• Legal recognition, including identity documents that reflect their true gender.
• Freedom from discrimination in jobs, housing, education, and society.

LGBTQ rights are about respect, dignity, and equality.

What Happens Without These Rights?

Without legal protection and social acceptance, LGBTQ individuals often face:

• Bullying and mental health struggles, including depression and anxiety.
• Discrimination at work or while renting a home.
• Rejection from family or community.
• Harassment, violence, or even “corrective” crimes.
• Lack of access to supportive healthcare or identity services.

Imagine being afraid to love someone or not being allowed to use the restroom that matches your gender. These are everyday battles for many.

Rights = Respect = Representation

When LGBTQ individuals are supported, society becomes safer and more equal for everyone. LGBTQ rights send one strong message:
“You matter. You belong. You are not alone.”

When these rights are protected, people like Amar no longer have to write poems in silence. They can love openly, live proudly, and dream freely — just like anyone else.

How Prayan Foundation Is Supporting Change

NGO working toward this goal is Prayan Foundation.

Through its initiative called Project SAMPADA, Prayan helps bridge the gap between government schemes and marginalized communities-including LGBTQ individuals. Here’s how:

• Connecting people to government services like healthcare, legal identity, housing, and welfare schemes.
• Creating awareness through workshops and community outreach.
• Offering legal and emotional support to those facing discrimination.
• Empowering individuals to claim their rights and live with dignity.

SAMPADA is not just a project-it’s a lifeline for many who are otherwise left unheard and unseen.

Love doesn’t need permission.
But people need protection, recognition, and rights.

Until every Amar can live proudly, speak freely, and love openly-our job isn’t done.

Because true pride is not just about a rainbow flag; it’s about a world where everyone feels safe under it.

 

In today’s fast-paced world, parenting frequently involves juggling work, home, obligations, and emotions. Yet the unchanged truth remains: a supportive family life is the cornerstone of healthy, contented children and a stronger society.

It is believed that strong families build resilient communities. Every family dynamic has its own set of difficulties — and advantages — whether it’s a single parent trying their hardest, grandparents filling in, or two working parents balancing never-ending to-do lists.

Parenting Is About Connection, Not Perfection:

There isn’t a parenting guide that works for everyone. Although they don’t come with instruction manuals, children have curiosity, feelings, and a vast capacity for love and learning.

Children are more secure and trusting when adults are emotionally available, listen without passing judgment, and establish clear boundaries. Children are likelier to open up, ask questions, and express themselves freely in a loving, conversational home setting.

Here at PRAYAN FOUNDATION, the project SUKRITI was initiated with the primary aim of facilitating holistic growth in children by catering to their social and mental well-being. Recognizing the intricate challenges faced by families in today’s fast-paced society, such as intergenerational conflicts, time constraints, financial pressure, and emotional fatigue, we are driven by a profound understanding of the importance of addressing these issues. By implementing programs that target these underlying struggles, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive environment that nurtures both children and their families.

We firmly believe that the roots of many societal problems stem from the struggles endured silently by numerous families. Intergenerational conflicts often perpetuate cycles of stress and uncertainty, leading to a ripple effect that impacts the emotional and mental stability of children. With insufficient time and financial strain further complicating matters, families find themselves overwhelmed and in need of assistance.

In light of these complexities, our commitment extends beyond individual initiatives as we recognize the critical role that community support plays in fostering lasting change. Through collective efforts and a shared sense of responsibility, we aspire to create a network that provides sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by families. By encouraging collaboration and mutual aid, we aim to build a community where families can find solace and strength, enabling children to flourish in a nurturing and stable environment.

Together, we strive to break the cycle of hardship and uncertainty, offering a beacon of hope and support to those grappling with the multifaceted burdens of modern life. Through the unwavering dedication of the team and the solidarity of the community, we are determined to make a meaningful impact on the social and mental well-being of children and families alike.

Sometimes, children can greatly benefit from simple routines like weekend excursions, bedtime stories, and shared meals. These seemingly insignificant moments produce lifelong memories, morals, and a feeling of community.

Let’s keep creating a society where asking for assistance is seen as a sign of strength and where all children are raised in stable, loving, and respectful homes.

Let’s work together to support families. Let’s cultivate the future.