Understanding the youth is pivotal in directing them towards a more enlightened path.
Understanding the youth is pivotal in directing them towards a more enlightened path.
Pragya Tank, currently a coordinator at Vidya Bhawan, Udaipur, boasts four years of dedicated social service. Armed with a Bachelor and Master Degree in Psychology, she further honed her expertise during a two-year fellowship with 'Teach for India' in Ahmedabad. Prior to coming to Udaipur, she was working in Bangalore with NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences).
Psychology became Pragya's chosen field due to her longstanding commitment to mental health. While pursuing her degree, she identified her interest in social service and planned to enter the sector down the line. During her fellowship with Teach for India, she delved into the intricacies of social service, gaining insights into the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Vidya Bhawan provided her a fertile ground to work on issues around child mental health and gender equality. She feels fortunate to work at an institution that fosters an environment that values diverse perspectives, even from newer team members.
Reflecting on the pandemic, Pragya applauds Vidya Bhawan's compassionate stance in retaining employees during challenging times. The institute further extended support through online meditation sessions for their employees and community outreach initiatives, providing relief to the vulnerable in those tough times.
If given the chance to time-travel in a time machine, Pragya envisions integrating psychology and mental health sessions into school curriculums, alongside promoting awareness about sexual harassment. She believes informed choices can mitigate future traumas.
Addressing the heightened stress and anxiety in today's youth, especially post-pandemic, Pragya advocates for open dialogue. She urges parents and employers to listen, understand, and create safe spaces for adolescents to express themselves freely.
Outside her professional realm, Pragya finds solace in dancing, watching movies, and culinary pursuits, viewing these activities as effective stress busters.