The links below provides information for awardees and students seeking some help and support.
Mental Wellbeing
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Mental Health is about our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental Health problems are common and help is available. People with mental health problems can get better and most recover completely.
The transition from high school to college can be a significant step for most students. Often this step comes with discovery, excitement, and expectations. For many of us, grappling with the change brings new and unexpected challenges. Almost all of us struggle within, trying to balance the expectations, freedoms, and the curiosity of discovery. Sometimes these struggles are played out, sometimes they are quiet, sometimes long drawn, or short lived, but with repercussions in the long run. All of these weigh on your mental wellbeing.
Being a student, especially in a professional college is stressful, but trying to juggle school-work and other responsibilities while experiencing mental illness can make it even harder. Various studies on Mental Illness approximate that one in five students aged 18-23 live with some mental health condition, and approximately 75 percent of people with mental health issues develop them prior to the age of 24. Mental health conditions can feel debilitating and scary, making some students retreat inward rather than seeking help.
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Many students can feel fear when first recognizing a mental health issue within themselves. Factors such as significant life changes, politics, family, academic pressure, relationship issues, and money can all contribute to changes in mental health. Here are a few resources focused on Mental Health & Wellbeing. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list, but more of a helpful template you can use to understand mental health and well being, to identify where support is available if needed.
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If you want to know more about how mental wellbeing issues affect students, please read the guide below by the former Campus Counsellor of BITS-Pilani and now foundation's advisor & Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist Bharti Mohan - Understanding Different Aspects of Mental Health
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Contact College Counsellor - Tanvi Bhatnagar
Contact Professional Counsellor - Bharti Mohan
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Mental Health Support Organisations
1. Aasra (Mumbai): Suicide prevention (hotline numbers for all states of India available) Hotline- +91 982-046-6726 . www.aasra.info
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2. Aasha (Chennai) - www.theaashafamily.org
3. Hope (International): Online counselling available - www.hopenetwork.in
4. Lifeline Foundation - www.lifelinefoundation.in Hotline: +91 332-463-7401, +91 332-463-7432
5. Manas (Delhi) : online appointments available - www.manas.org.in
Ph: +91 114-170-8517
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6. Mind Fit (Bangalore): Online therapy and counselling available - www.mind.fit
7. Minds Foundation (U.S. & India) - www.mindsfoundation.org Hotline: +91 903-383-7227
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8. Nimhans (Bangalore) - www.nimhans.ac.in/contact-us
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9. The Samaritans (HQ-U.K.) - Email: Samaritans.helpline@gmail.com Hotline India: +91 226-464-3267, 226-565-3267, 226-565-3247
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10. Sanjivini Society for Mental Health (Delhi) - www.sanjivinisociety.org
11. Scarf (Chennai) - www.scarfindia.org
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12. Snehi (Delhi): Free telephone counselling service available - www.snehi.org
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13. Sumaitri (Delhi) - Email: feelingsuicidal@sumaitri.net, www.sumaitri.net Ph: +91 112-338-9090, +91 931-576-7849 (2 pm-6:30 pm)
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14. White Swan Foundation - www.whiteswanfoundation.org
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Is this award meant for those who suffer from mental health conditions?No, this is not a precondition. But those suffering from a mental health condition, short or long term, are not disqualified either. These grants attempt to broaden the field of what is acceptable and celebrated in architecture school in terms of talent, personal journeys, or discoveries. We encourage dialogue about mental health and mental diversity, but we do not directly offer counseling (there are links in the resource page for help with that). With a community of students, peers, alumni and experts, these grants are an attempt to nurture a range of minds that could use recognition and support.
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Can you give some examples of what the grant would support?Yes, it could range from travel in an intellectual pursuit, to supporting training in a new area, or equipment purchase. Beyond this we do not claim to know what current students maybe looking for, thus the student-led nomination process. We are of course interested in supporting transformative personal journeys, big or small, in the memory of our friend and as our contribution to the culture of a place we spent some time in.
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Who decides the amount of each award, and when?We are currently offering upto 3 awards per year. The value of each award is NOT determined at the nominating stage. It is decided by shortlisted nominees themselves, when they are contacted for a proposal of how they would spend the award. The selection panel could grant the entire amount a nominee is seeking, or part of it, at their discretion. The awarded amounts can vary from 30,000 to 100,000 INR.
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Are we nominating specific people, or specific projects or ideas?Generally individuals are being nominated, not projects. If a particular project is deserving in your view, then the lead person for that project should be nominated. You should explain that the project is of interest and why, in your nomination note.
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Can we nominate a group or more than one person?You can nominate only one person, but this person could represent a group or duo, etc. Your nomination note can mention this fact. The award supports both individual and collaborative endevours in spirit, but the nomination is to an individual at the moment.
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If I am awarded, do I need to provide receipts for funds used? Do I need to return unused funds?Yes we require an account of spending, with proper receipts for any significant purchases. If there are unused funds after the nine-month period, they would need to be justified, or returned.
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If I am awarded, how can I guarantee I will be able to accomplish what I proposed, especially in the time of covid?Yes, we ask you to be aware of the risks and challenges of the current situation before you make proposals as a nominee. We are developing a mentorship program alongside the award to help awardees meet their goals and desires. We trust in your intuitions, and hope it will all work out!