Helpline Bharosa to help students under mental stress

New Delhi: Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Monday launched a helpline number ‘Bharosa’, started by the Central University of Odisha (CUO), to help students who are under mental stress due to the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.

CUO organized the virtual launching ceremony of Bharosa and its helpline number 08046801010.

CUO Vice Chancellor Prof I Ramabrahmam highlighted the major features and services of the CUOs Helpline ‘Bharosa’ that seeks to address the problems of distressed students in the wake of COVID-19.

He reiterated the fact that the CUO Helpline ‘Bharosa’ addresses the concerns of any student of any University in Odisha and added that over 400 calls have been received in the Pilot phase of the CUO Helpline.

Madhusudan Mishra, Collector and District Magistrate, Koraput was instrumental in Piloting the ‘Bharosa’ initiative of CUO before its formal launch today.

Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank elaborated the point that the nation was going through a difficult phase due to the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic and appreciated the Government of India’s efforts to contain the epidemic.

Nishank also lauded the efforts that are being made by Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister in offering his guidance to the educational institutions of Odisha.

He outlined the efforts of the Ministry of HRD in safeguarding the future of students.

He emphasized on the steps taken with regard to the new academic calendar and virtual mode of education.

He asserted that the mental health concern of the students is of great importance and the Helpline launched by the Central University of Odisha is a great step towards that.

He formally launched the Helpline and announced its number for the benefit of the students and their parents, amongst others.

He also urged the Central and State Universities and other Institutions of Higher Education across the country to emulate the Bharosa initiative.

Arun Kumar Sahoo, Odisha Higher Education Minister lauded the efforts of the Central University of Odisha and expressed hope that it will help the students in distress during COVID-19.