Kerala announces 'Santhoshathode Padikkam' statewide campaign for students' mental health

8 October 2026

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan announced 'Santhoshathode Padikkam' (Study with Joy), a statewide awareness campaign on students' mental health.
It will run from 12 to 17 October, as part of World Mental Health Day observance.
It is organised in cooperation with the Education Department.
Venues are government schools and government-controlled educational institutions across Kerala.
Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, mental health experts and counsellors under the Health and Medical Education Departments will be used for the campaign, in coordination with government medical colleges, the District Mental Health Programme and district health systems.
Activities include awareness classes, discussions, counselling sessions and creative activities for students, with special awareness on the role of teachers and parents.
The campaign focuses on early identification of students facing study stress, exam fear, anxiety and isolation, and has special programmes against drug use.