Vidya Lead Academy

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

On May 17, 2025, a thought- provoking online dialogue unfolded between Mr. Suneel Vatsyayan— CEO of Vidya Lead Academy and Chairperson of Nada India Foundation — and distinguished faculty members from the School of Behavioural and Social Sciences ( SBSS), Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies ( MRIIRS), Faridabad. The conversation was more than a customary academic- industry engagement— it was a call to reimagine student readiness and institutional partnerships in social work and public policy. In attendance were: Prof. ( Dr.) Taranjeet, Dean, SBSS Dr. Twinkal Dogra, Assistant Professor, Public Policy and Administration Dr. Nikhil Sehra, Assistant Professor, International Relations Dr. Vishal Sagar, Assistant Professor, Political Science Mr. Upamanyu Basu, Assistant Professor, Political Science Mr. Vatsyayan opened with a reflective account of his journey as a social strategist and internship program designer. During the COVID- 19 pandemic, wh...

"हर कोई बच्चा पैदा करता है, इसमें नया क्या है"—इस सोच को बदलने की ज़रूरत है। #WorldHealthDay2025 पर आइए संकल्प लें: स्वस्थ शुरुआत, आशावान भविष्य। सिर्फ अस्पताल नहीं, जोखिम मुक्त प्रसव के लिए ज़रूरी है प्यार, देखभाल, जागरूकता और तनाव मुक्त माहौल। माँ के साथ चलिए—न उससे आगे, न पीछे। 💡पिता के लिए एक सत्र। सोच में एक बदलाव। एक स्वस्थ भविष्य।  #मातृस्वास्थ्य #नवजात_देखभाल #NadaIndia #SocialWorkMatters  On the occasion of World Health Day 2025 By Nada India Foundation & Vidya Lead Academy “ For risk-free deliveries, a healthy environment is required. ” These heartfelt words by Swati (Name changed), a lactating mother and social student from Sonipat, Haryana, strike the very core of this year’s World Health Day theme — “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” In a candid conversation with her mentor, Life Coach Suneel Vatsyayan from Vidya Lead Academy (knowledge partner of Nada India Foundation ), she reflected on her lived experience as a young mother and student. Her insig...