In this issue, we feature an engaging interview with Dr. Manisha Singh, Dean of ICFAI Business School (IBS), Bangalore. Dr. Singh shares inspiring examples of impactful social projects led by students and offers her perspective on the significance of service-learning initiatives in shaping their educational journey. Our Learning Bytes section includes a remarkable and thought-provoking story shared by a student during a reflection session—one you won’t want to miss! We also delve into the critical topic of mental health, exploring its impact, common challenges, and the incredible efforts of individuals and organizations working to make a difference. This month, we spotlight a Jaipur-based NGO dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health through awareness, education, and empowerment.

Finally, we close with an exciting update from LetsTagOn! We hope you find this edition engaging, insightful, and inspiring.

Happy reading,
Team LetsTagOn

Discussions are a cornerstone of effective service learning. Through meaningful discussions and group conversations, participants share ideas, challenge assumptions, and develop a deeper connection to the issues they encounter.

One remarkable story from a service learning experience highlights the transformative power of discussion. During a reflection session, a student shared an eye-opening encounter:

"I saw a girl chained in a house during one of our visits. The sight left me deeply unsettled. All night, I could not sleep and only had questions in my mind — Why would someone do this to a child? Was she a rebel? Was she being punished? Was it something cultural or even supernatural?" The next day, he couldn’t hold back and asked us as to why the girl was chained.

We explained that the girl had a disability, and the parents resorted to chaining her to protect her from potential harm. The parents, living in an isolated community far from urban resources, had no other viable options. This revelation sparked a passionate and thoughtful discussion in the class.

Through the conversation, students explored various perspectives and weighed the pros and cons of possible solutions. They debated questions like: Could the girl be sent to a special school? What are the logistical and financial barriers for the family? How might the community create safer and more inclusive environments?

The discussions revealed the complexity of the situation. The students came to understand that the family’s actions, while seemingly inhumane, stemmed from limited choices and a lack of support. The exercise emphasized the importance of refraining from judgment and instead considering the challenges others face from their perspective.

This dialogue did more than just unwind a difficult situation—it built empathy and critical thinking skills. Students brainstormed feasible solutions, such as advocating for better community resources, involving NGOs to provide additional support, and exploring how policy changes could help families in similar situations.

We need to know, why discussions matter in Service Learning ?

• Deepening Understanding: Discussions allow participants to explore the root causes of issues, going beyond surface-level observations. They help participants connect with the human element behind every challenge. 
• Building Empathy: Engaging in dialogue encourages participants to step into the shoes of others, fostering a compassionate understanding of diverse perspectives.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Discussions encourage brainstorming and collective thinking, leading to innovative and practical solutions that might not emerge individually.
• Empowering Action: Group conversations inspire participants to take actionable steps based on shared insights and understanding.

Mental health is a person's cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It affects how people react to stressors, engage with others, and make choices. Some issues with mental health include Anxiety disorders, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Schizophrenia, and Eating disorders.

The NGOs and individuals in the space work towards ensuring good health and well being of people in and around the community. Key areas of work of different NGOs  are listed below:

• Sit in on consultations and learn about diagnosis and treatment. Treatment, also observe or assist with play therapy sessions. 

• Lead community projects and participate in outreach visits to raise awareness about mental health and share information about treatments and services.

• Assist people with psychiatric disabilities in finding employment or income generation activities. 

• Market products made by people with psychiatric challenges. 

• Obtain welfare benefits for people with psychiatric disabilities. 

• Conduct interviews and collect data to identify common mental health issues.

A volunteer interested to work in the area of mental health has many opportunities to contribute through such organizations.