Vidya Lead Academy

Reimagining Social Work Education in India: Strengthening the NCAHP Curriculum for a Healthier, More Inclusive Future By Vidya Lead Academy India stands at an important public health crossroads. As the nation strives toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) , the role of Medical and Psychiatric Social Workers is rapidly evolving—from traditional support functions to becoming frontline leaders in prevention, behavioural health, community-based engagement, and holistic wellbeing. The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) is currently reviewing the Medical and Psychiatric Social Work Curriculum , and this moment offers a historic opportunity to strengthen the foundations of public health practice in India. At Vidya Lead Academy, we believe the curriculum can be significantly enriched through a deeper emphasis on prevention, AYUSH integration, behavioural health readiness, and non-verbal engagement tools —all of which align powerfully with India’s cultural...

  By V. Shubham, Guest Fitness Expert, Bengaluru Recently, I had the opportunity to be contacted by the team at Vidya Lead Academy during my brief visit to Delhi NCR. I traveled from Bengaluru as a guest fitness expert and had the chance to visit several fitness centers, public parks, and also spend time at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The enthusiasm for fitness among people here is inspiring, but at the same time, I could not ignore a harsh reality—the alarming air pollution levels. As I prepare to return to Bengaluru later this week, I do so with mixed emotions. The air pollution in Delhi NCR is currently at its peak, and so are the raised voices demanding urgent solutions . Multi-agency responses are increasing, advisories are being issued, and restrictions are being placed. Yet, one sector that feels deeply impacted—though often silently— is the fitness and wellness industry. Outdoor Fitness at Risk, Indoor Becoming a Necessity Outdoor physical activities are now clea...

...For me, as a practicing social worker, this reaffirmed the value of embracing the unknown. Authentic narratives arise not only from what research already tells us, but from the discoveries we make when we step outside familiar frameworks and genuinely listen to voices that challenge, surprise, or even amuse us. The recent accounts of women in Bihar illustrate this powerfully—their lived experiences cut through political and academic assumptions, shaping a truly authentic, people-led narrative for change ." The 13th Indian Social Work Conference offered many powerful insights, but the session that stayed with me the most was the plenary on “Reimagining Development through Gender-Sensitive Ecosocial Work Practice.” I want to begin by acknowledging Dr. R. Nalini, Professor of Social Work at Pondicherry University , whose paper “Gender Suffering and Structural Inequality: An Ecosocial Analysis of Women in Substance-Affected Families” brought depth, clarity, and compassion to the...

At Vidya Lead Academy, we believe caregiving is more than a duty or an invisible responsibility—it is the foundation of family well-being and a cornerstone of social development. Yet, society continues to debate whether caregiving is a matter of virtue and joy or merely an economic activity contributing to GDP. There is a big difference between cooking for one’s family out of love and cooking in a commercial kitchen for pay. Similarly, caring for a sick parent, child, or partner at home carries a personal connection that no commercial service can replace. However, when this role is undervalued and unpaid, it often leads to what experts call “ time poverty ,” especially among women. The Unpaid vs. Paid Care Work Dilemma In India, women spend an average of 137 minutes a day on unpaid caregiving, compared to just 75 minutes for men ( MoSPI Time Use Survey 2024 ). This disproportionate burden not only affects women’s mental and physical health but also keeps them away from formal e...

Khadi is not just a fabric — it is a fabric of resilience, community, and empowerment. By strengthening women’s entrepreneurship through khadi and village industries, Delhi can reduce the social costs of work, empower women, and nurture families that are both  swasth  (healthy) and  shashakt  (empowered). India’s labour trends present a paradox. While the overall unemployment rate is falling, female youth joblessness remains high. In Delhi, the participation of women in the service sector is shrinking, and average earnings show little improvement. At the same time, the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has been remarkable—rising from 1.78 lakh in 2022–23 to 4.19 lakh in 2023–24. The story behind this growth highlights both a challenge and a solution. The social costs of going to work —safety, commuting, and the burden of unpaid care—still restrict women’s participation in the workforce. Yet, Khadi and Village Industries in Delhi are demonstrati...

This blog captures insights from an expert talk by Mr. Suneel Vatsyayan, Nada India Foundation, during NAPSWI National Social Work Week at Central University of Jammu. The session emphasized drug prevention and treatment readiness as a continuum, highlighting student reflections on defining a Healthy Campus, emotional CPR, and meaningful engagement. It underlines the role of social work in fostering listening communities, unlearning, and bridging care with compassion. Extending the vision from campus to home, the blog calls for youth-driven initiatives to make good health a national priority. The Department of Social Work at the Central University of Jammu has a long and meaningful association with Mr. Suneel Vatsyayan , Chairperson of Nada India Foundation. His journey with the department began as a facilitator in workshops for police officers of J&K, focusing on their role in drug prevention. Later, he joined as a member of the Board of Studies, contributing his expertise in ...