Campus Times | Lucknow 

Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, has launched an Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance and Counselling (ADCGC) in collaboration with the Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development (SPNIWCD), Regional Centre, Lucknow. The programme was inaugurated on July 28 with a focus on preparing professionals equipped to address the growing mental health and psychosocial needs of children and adolescents.

The inaugural session was presided over by BBAU Vice Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal, while Dr. P. K. Srivastava, Medical Superintendent of Balrampur Hospital, attended as the chief speaker. Senior university officials, faculty members, medical professionals, researchers and students were also present.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Mittal said children and adolescents today are increasingly dealing with stress, emotional instability, behavioural concerns and social pressures, making trained child guidance and counselling professionals more important than ever. He noted that changing lifestyles, digital exposure, academic competition and evolving family dynamics have significantly influenced childrens overall development.

The need for trained child counsellors has never been greater for childrens and adolescents mental well being, Prof. Mittal said, adding that the programme would create new opportunities for professionals in education, healthcare, psychology and child protection while contributing to a stronger support system for young people.

Dean of Academic Affairs Prof. S. Victor Babu highlighted the importance of integrating education, healthcare, psychology and social work to ensure holistic child development. He said the collaborative initiative is expected to strengthen quality child counselling services across the country.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Srivastava stressed that India requires a larger pool of trained counsellors to reinforce child and adolescent mental health services. He underlined the need for closer coordination between healthcare and educational institutions, stating that timely counselling and psychosocial support are critical to childrens long term well being.

Dr. Anil V. B. Babu, Director of SPNIWCD Regional Centre, Lucknow, described the diploma as a significant step towards strengthening child mental health, family counselling and child protection services. He said graduates of the programme would be prepared to serve in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, child protection institutions and community organisations.

Dean of the School of Home Sciences Prof. U. V. Kiran emphasised the growing psychological and behavioural challenges among children and adolescents, calling for early identification, scientific counselling and family centred interventions to support healthy development.

Presenting the programme framework, Prof. Shalini Agrawal, Head of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and Nodal Officer of the programme, said the curriculum combines classroom learning with supervised fieldwork, case studies, internships and practical training to equip students with hands-on counselling experience.

The newly launched diploma is expected to contribute to building a skilled workforce capable of strengthening child and adolescent mental health services while addressing the increasing demand for qualified counselling professionals in India.