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A Conversation with Karuna Narang: Listening Beyond Systems

Learning that Enriches. Action that Distinguishes. At Vidya LEAD Academy, we believe that meaningful change begins with listening—not just to data, but to lived experiences. In this spirit, we engaged in a deep conversation with Karuna Narang , a seasoned child protection expert whose work spans adoption systems, Child Welfare Committees (CWC), Juvenile Justice Boards (JJB), and national-level policy engagement. About Karuna Narang With a foundation in social work and over two decades of experience, Karuna Narang brings a comprehensive understanding of the realities faced by vulnerable children. She has facilitated hundreds of adoptions, served two terms on the CWC (2009–2015), and later as a member of the Juvenile Justice Board in North East Delhi (2018–2021). Her work bridges direct service, policy, and training across institutions like NCPCR, CARA, SCERT, and IGNOU. A committed trainer and academic counselor, she continues to work closely with educators, communities, and future soci...
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Ethical Skilling for Integrated Care: Why Mental Health is the Real Infrastructure of the Future of Work

On 26th February 2026, the leadershipof Vidya Lead Academy had the opportunity to share reflections during the IGNITING YOUTH FUTURES – LEARNING TO EARNING (IYF-L2E) interaction hosted under the aegis of YMCA India . The conversation was not merely about jobs. It was about what kind of workforce India must build in the age of AI, automation, and rapid social change. At Vidya Lead Academy , we believe that ethical skilling must begin with one foundational principle: health and well-being are not add-ons to education — they are the basis of it. Beyond Employability: Ethical Skilling for Integrated Care India’s youth stand at the intersection of opportunity and anxiety. While digital pathways expand through partnerships and access to over 100 industry-aligned courses designed by Accenture , the deeper question remains: Are we preparing young people merely to get jobs , or to sustain careers, resilience, and meaning ? Ethical skilling means integrating: Mental health awareness ...
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गाजियाबाद की त्रासदी: जब भावनात्मक संकट को समय पर सहारा नहीं मिला

  “ भावनात्मक  दिल को बचाने की पहली मदद”  सुनील वात्स्यायन  इमोशनल CPR प्रशिक्षक | राष्ट्रीय कार्यकारिणी सदस्य, NAPSWI Source: https://www.jagran.com/ बच्चे और किशोर अक्सर मदद माँग नहीं पाते—इसलिए इंतज़ार करना खतरनाक हो सकता है। जैसे CPR तब दिया जाता है जब व्यक्ति खुद कुछ कहने की स्थिति में नहीं होता, वैसे ही eCPR तब ज़रूरी है जब भावनात्मक हृदय चुपचाप टूट रहा हो। इमोशनल CPR कोई एक दिन का अभ्यास नहीं है—यह हर दिन, हर बार अपनाया जाने वाला मानवीय दायित्व है। अगर हम समय रहते जुड़ना सीख लें, तो शायद बहुत पहले ही ज़िंदगियाँ बचाई जा सकती हैं। गाजियाबाद में तीन नाबालिग बहनों द्वारा आत्महत्या की घटना केवल एक हृदयविदारक समाचार नहीं है, बल्कि यह हमारे समाज के लिए एक गंभीर चेतावनी भी है। यह घटना हमें यह सोचने पर मजबूर करती है कि बच्चों और किशोरों की भावनात्मक पीड़ा को हम कब तक अनदेखा करते रहेंगे। प्रारंभिक जानकारियों में अत्यधिक ऑनलाइन गेमिंग, सामाजिक अलगाव और पारिवारिक संवाद की कमी जैसे कारण सामने आए हैं। लेकिन केवल कारण गिनाना पर्याप्त नहीं है। असली प्रश्न यह है— क्या इ...
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Reframing Tobacco Prevention Through Youth Engagement and Integrated Care

A social work–led perspective on early intervention, skilling, and mental health systems at ANCIPS 2026 Suneel Vatsyayan , CEO, Vidya Lead Academy and a senior National Executive member of the National Association of Professional Social Workers in India ( NAPSWI ), presented at the 77th Annual Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society (ANCIPS 2026), held in Delhi from January 28–31, 2026—India’s most prestigious national platform for psychiatry and mental health professionals. His presentation, titled “ Youth Engagement in Tobacco Prevention: Integrated Care and Skilling Before Therapeutic Alliance ,” brought a distinct social work and public health perspective to the psychiatric discourse on tobacco use and mental health. The presentation emphasized youth engagement as a pre-therapeutic intervention, highlighting how integrated care models and skilling initiatives can create accessible mental health spaces even before formal clinical engagement begins. The session underscored the...
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Vidya Lead Academy’s SMART Commitments to WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Strategy (2025–2034)

Where ethical traditional medicine meets community trust—Vidya Lead Academy’s SMART commitments shaping the future of TCIM. Vidya Lead Academy is pleased to share that its SMART Commitments , submitted as a private, non-State actor , were formally acknowledged during the Closing Ceremony of the Second Global Summit on Traditional Medicine , held in New Delhi on 19 December 2025 . Among sixty global commitments showcased at the Summit, Vidya Lead Academy’s commitment was displayed in the presence of the Honourable Prime Minister of India , the World Health Organization Director-General , and the Honourable Union Ministers for Health & Family Welfare and AYUSH , underscoring India’s leadership in ethical, community-centered Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) . A Commitment Rooted in Safety, Ethics, and Community Care Through its SMART Commitments, Vidya Lead Academy focuses on strengthening the quality, safety, and ethical delivery of TCIM-based addic...
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Leading with Empathy, Backed by Science: Why Social Work Education Must Embrace Prevention & AYUSH

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...
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Fitness Amidst Smog: A Visiting Expert’s Reflection from Delhi NCR

  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...
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