INTRODUCTION
The Vishwakarma University Wellness Centre of Excellence (VUWCOE) is established in 2022 with the belief that an individual can achieve his/her potential by keeping their mental strength and well-being healthy. To achieve the same, VUWCOE is functioning with effective counsellors/experts who will be able to acknowledge & accept the students’ and employee’s mental health issues and provide appropriate suggestions/guidance. It will be helping them to achieve their excellence in academics as well as living productive and meaningful lives. The centre will be able to display warmth, empathy and unconditional positive regard towards the students and employees of the University. Besides guidance and counselling sessions, the centre will be actively contributing in the promotion of mental well-being by organising life skill training, expert lectures, workshops, research, and collaborations within and outside the Vishwakarma University.
VISION
To promote a conducive environment that values diversity, encourages intellectual, emotional growth, and helps the individual develop life skills essential to tackle challenges.
MISSION
To provide comprehensive and effective wellness services that aim at fulfilling the personal, social, emotional and learning needs of the students and faculty members.
OBJECTIVE :
National Education Policy 2020 and University Grants Commission emphasizes that every educational institute should have a system to handle students’ mental health challenges and promote psycho-social well-being.
To comply the same, the following objectives of the VUCOE is mentioned below:
- To provide guidance & counselling services to Vishwakarma University Students that help them attain personal and professional excellence and prepare them to face life's challenges.
- To equip students with the necessary knowledge, attitudes, and skills to become responsible and psychologically healthy individuals.
- To be available for the student community and acknowledge the unique needs and characteristics.
- To ensure students’ success, happiness, and well-being.
- To promote an environment of personal safety and respect by collaborating with other faculty members and university staff.
Mobile Addiction Awareness and Assessment
On August 26, 2024, the Vishwakarma University Wellness Center of Excellence (VUWCOE) conducted an extension activity titled Mobile Addiction Awareness and Assessment for MA Psychology students at the university campus. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the psychological and behavioral effects of excessive mobile phone use while offering a mobile-based psychological screening tool to assess dependency levels. Through participatory discussions and digital assessments, the activity encouraged students and community members to reflect on their smartphone habits and understand the risks of digital overuse. This student-led initiative aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3 and 16, promoting mental health and inclusive engagement. Students facilitated sessions on digital wellbeing and guided participants through psychological assessments, gaining hands-on experience in ethical practices and data interpretation. The activity also demonstrated how mobile platforms can increase the accessibility of mental health tools, especially in underserved areas. By combining psychological insight with innovative technology, the event fostered awareness, skill development, and community sensitization. It highlighted the students' active role in mental health promotion and underscored the potential for scalable, tech-enabled mental wellness programs in the future.
Visit to Nandanvan Old Age Home, Katraj, Pune
On On October 18, 2024, psychology students from Vishwakarma University visited Nandanvan Old Age Home in Katraj, Pune, as part of their academic exposure to geriatric counseling practices. The visit aimed to understand the emotional and psychological needs of the elderly population, many of whom face challenges such as loneliness, grief, and declining health. Established in 2023, Nandanvan is a reputed facility offering care to individuals aged 50 to 90 in a nurturing environment with 25 well-maintained rooms and a committed team of caregivers. During the visit, students conducted structured assessments to gauge the residents' emotional well-being, life satisfaction, and resilience. They observed a range of emotional responses among the residents, from feelings of contentment to occasional isolation, emphasizing the importance of empathetic and responsive caregiving. The students were particularly impressed by the facility’s holistic approach and the emotional support offered by the staff. This interaction not only deepened their understanding of counseling strategies for older adults but also highlighted the significance of compassionate and inclusive environments in promoting well-being and dignity in later life.
Visit to Mook Badhir Vidyalaya, Bibwewadi, Pune
As part of Vishwakarma University’s community outreach initiative aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), psychology students visited Adhar Mook Badhir Vidyalaya on November 18, 2024. This visit aimed to foster inclusivity and empathy while gaining deeper insights into the lives and challenges of hearing-impaired children. Through interactive activities and psychological assessments, the students explored the emotional, cognitive, and personality traits of the children, emphasizing the importance of nonverbal communication and inclusive practices. Facility Details Founded in 1985 with just two students, Adhar Mook Badhir Vidyalaya has grown significantly over the last 30 years and now serves 112 children, including 71 hostel residents. The school provides education from pre-primary to 7th standard, with a unique step-based pre-primary program. Students can also appear externally for the 10th standard examination through the Maharashtra SSCE Board since 2012. The school spans 8,000 sq. ft. and includes hostel facilities. It employs 35 staff members, including 13 specially trained teachers, caretakers, and support staff. Despite its recognition by the Government of Maharashtra for primary education, the school operates higher classes without aid, relying on limited resources to support economically disadvantaged families. During their visit, the psychology students engaged with hearing-impaired children through sign language and conducted a drawing-based psychological assessment. This activity provided valuable insights into the children’s personality traits, emotional states, and cognitive abilities. The interaction highlighted the resilience and creativity of the children despite their challenges. The students were inspired by the school’s mission to impart high-standard education and technical skills while fostering values for holistic development. However, they also noted the infrastructural and financial limitations that hinder the school’s expansion and maintenance efforts. The visit to Adhar Mook Badhir Vidyalaya was a transformative experience for Vishwakarma University students, enhancing their understanding of inclusivity, nonverbal communication, and the unique needs of hearing-impaired children. It underscored the critical role of such institutions in empowering children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The visit not only enriched the students’ academic and emotional perspectives but also reinforced their commitment to advocating for inclusive education and supporting underserved communities.
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Faculty Development Program on "Psychological Insights for Transformative Education"
The Vishwakarma University Wellness Centre of Excellence (VUWCOE), in collaboration with the Department of Psychology, successfully conducted a five-day Faculty Development Program (FDP) titled "Psychological Insights for Transformative Education" from December 16 to 20, 2024. The program was designed to empower educators with psychological tools and strategies that enhance teaching effectiveness, classroom engagement, and student well-being. The FDP focused on integrating core psychological principles into educational practices, with sessions addressing topics such as motivation, learning styles, classroom management, emotional intelligence, and inclusive pedagogies. Expert resource persons from academia and clinical practice shared evidence-based approaches and real-world applications, providing faculty with a well-rounded understanding of how psychology can be used to transform learning environments. Participants engaged in interactive sessions, reflective exercises, and collaborative discussions that encouraged them to rethink traditional teaching methods and adopt student-centric, mindful approaches. The program also highlighted the importance of emotional well-being for both educators and learners in sustaining academic excellence. Accompanied by hands-on activities and supported by visual presentations, the FDP fostered a sense of community and professional growth among faculty members across disciplines. The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with participants appreciating the relevance, depth, and practical utility of the sessions. Overall, the program served as a significant step toward creating more empathetic, inclusive, and psychologically informed educational spaces, aligning with Vishwakarma University's commitment to innovation and holistic development in higher education.
Preventive Psychiatry and Emotional Intelligence Training: A Modern Approach to Mental Health Resilience
Resource Person: Dr. Shah Tarfarosh, Consultant Psychiatrist, Oxford University Hospital, UK The Vishwakarma University Wellness Centre of Excellence (VUWCOE) successfully organized an expert session titled "Preventive Psychiatry and Emotional Intelligence Training: A Modern Approach to Mental Health Resilience" on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Conducted online via Google Meet, the session was led by Dr. Shah Tarfarosh, Consultant Psychiatrist at Oxford University Hospital, UK. The session focused on the critical role of preventive psychiatry and the application of emotional intelligence in building mental resilience. Dr. Tarfarosh shared his extensive knowledge and clinical experience, emphasizing how early interventions and emotional intelligence training can serve as powerful tools in promoting long-term psychological well-being. Participants from various backgrounds, including students, faculty members, and mental health professionals, attended the session. The speaker highlighted practical strategies for emotional regulation, empathy, and stress management, all of which are essential in educational and workplace environments. The session also included a dynamic Q&A segment, where participants engaged with Dr. Tarfarosh, deepening their understanding of the subject. The event received positive feedback for its relevance and real-world applicability. VUWCOE remains committed to organizing such meaningful programs that contribute to the advancement of mental health awareness and practice within and beyond the university.
Field Visit Report: Royal Senior Homes – Old Age Home, Undri, Pune
As part of its applied learning and community engagement initiatives, the Department of Psychology in collaboration with the VU Wellness Centre of Excellence organized field visits for MA Psychology students to Royal Senior Homes – Old Age Home, located in Undri, Pune, Maharashtra. The visits took place on the 11th and 19th of April 2025 and were supervised by Dr. Azmat Jahan, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology. The primary objective of these visits was to provide students with hands-on exposure to the psychological aspects of ageing, enabling them to observe and understand the cognitive and emotional well-being of older adults in a real-world setting. During the visit, students interacted with the residents and conducted psychological assessments to evaluate areas such as life satisfaction, resilience, and emotional health. These assessments not only enhanced students’ understanding of psychometric tools and psychological measurement techniques but also allowed them to offer therapeutic suggestions to promote healthy ageing. Through empathetic engagement and meaningful conversations, the students gained valuable insights into the lived experiences of the elderly, enriching their academic learning and deepening their appreciation for geriatric mental health care. This field-based activity served as an important platform for experiential learning, bridging theory and practice in the field of counselling and geriatric psychology.
STRUCTURE OF THE CENTRE :
The VUWCOE will have the following body of members
S.N.DesignationName of the MemberChief counsellorProf. Padmaja Kathikar| 1. | Director | Dr. Bhupender Singh |
| 2. | Chief counsellor | Prof.Kajree Korde |
| 3. | Psychological counsellor | Dr.Azmat Jahan |
| 4. | Director Students Welfare | Mr.Vaibhav Thakare |
| 5. | Legal Expert | Prof. Padmaja Kathikar |
| 6. | Camps Security & Security Officer | Prof. Avdut Athre |
| 7. | Medical Officer | Dr. Priyanka Gokhale |
ACTIVITIES OF THE CENTRE :
- Personal Counselling
- Group Counselling
- Psychometric Assessment and Testing
- Career Guidance and Support
- Research and Collaboration
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Training and workshops
HOW TO REACH US
The working hours for the Centre are 9 AM to 5 PM (Monday to Friday). Students and employees of the Vishwakarma University can seek a prior appointment through the official email ID of the centre as given below: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The centre will provide them a schedule of the interaction session or counseling session. After- hours, holidays and at weekends, counseling sessions will be entertained on an emergency basis. MODE OF THE COUNSELLING SESSION Counselling sessions can take place in the following two modes. ● In-person counselling ● Online counselling - Google meet link will be provided to the client. Clients and professionals will be required to turn on their videos throughout the session. This service will be provided in emergency situations.
CENTRE LOCATION AND SUPPORT
The entire functioning and support of VUWCOE will be through the Department of Psychology, Vishwakarma University, Pune. The department, for its effective functioning, can provide the centre with all of the necessary infrastructure, manpower, psychological tests, and related technical support.
FEES
Counselling services are free of cost for the students and employees of Vishwakarma University only.
OFFICE ADDRESS:
Vishwakarma University Wellness Centre of Excellence Room No 7403, Fourth Floor, Building No. 7 Vishwakarma University, Pune, Maharashtra 411048
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mob: 91+9023320390
Website: https://www.vupune.ac.in/centres-of-excellence/vu-wellness-centre-of-excellence-vuwcoe
