Tekion and Mind and Matter Launch Mental Health Initiative for Students in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

Tekion, an AI-native automotive platform company, has partnered with the NGO Mind and Matter to enhance mental health education for over 10,000 students in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This initiative, part of Tekion's corporate social responsibility (CSR) program known as ‘Tekion for Good’, aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental wellness and provide high-quality mental health resources to underprivileged communities in semi-urban and rural areas.

The Hindu

The program targets children aged nine and older, teenagers, parents, and teachers across both government and private educational institutions. A distinctive feature of this initiative is its vernacular approach, which includes activity-based sessions and mental health tools delivered in regional languages. This strategy is designed to ensure accessibility for all participants, regardless of linguistic background. The curriculum is based on specialized modules developed by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) and is delivered by trained volunteers to create safe spaces and compassionate support systems within schools.

The Hindu

Deepika Appaiah, Founder of Mind and Matter, emphasized the importance of normalizing mental health as a vital aspect of society. Santosh Golecha, Head of Chennai Engineering Center at Tekion, noted that the sessions aim to equip the next generation with essential tools for a healthy and balanced future, stating, “Mental health is often viewed through an urban, elite lens, but resilience is a universal need.”

The Hindu

The first mental well-being program under this partnership took place at the Sir Mutha School in Chennai, attended by approximately 180 students. Beyond school settings, Tekion is also supporting the expansion of Mind and Matter's ‘Sundays for Mental Health’ program, which will extend its reach across Chennai, Puducherry, and Bengaluru. This community initiative offers resilience-building workshops for individuals of all ages in public spaces.

The Hindu

Over the past five years, Mind and Matter has positively impacted more than 27,000 lives through mental health advocacy and the implementation of preventive mental health modules. Their recent initiative, “Music for Mental Health,” has received national recognition for its innovative approach to wellness across various regions.

The Hindu

While the initiative has received positive feedback for its inclusive approach, some critics argue that mental health resources in India are still insufficiently funded and that more systemic changes are needed to address the broader societal stigma surrounding mental health.

The Hindu

• “We must normalize mental health as an essential part of our social fabric,” — Deepika Appaiah, Founder of Mind and Matter

The Hindu

• “These sessions are not just about awareness. They are about providing the next generation with the tools to build a healthy, balanced future,” — Santosh Golecha, Head of Chennai Engineering Center, Tekion

The Hindu

This partnership between Tekion and Mind and Matter represents a significant step towards improving mental health education and resources for students in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with the potential for broader societal impact.

The Hindu