Jobaaj Stories
Phone Mitra: Telangana’s Helpline for Homesick Students
A New Kind of Support for Students Far from Home :
Telangana has introduced a unique emotional support program called Phone Mitra to help students who are studying away from their families. Many young students, especially those coming from different districts or rural areas, often face emotional challenges when they move to cities for education. Feelings of homesickness, anxiety, and loneliness are common. Phone Mitra offers a simple yet effective solution by giving students someone to talk to when they need support.
How the Phone Mitra Program Works
The idea behind Phone Mitra is to provide students with emotional comfort through phone conversations. Students can reach out to trained volunteers, known as "mitras" or friends, who listen to their problems and offer moral support. These calls are not professional therapy sessions but friendly chats designed to help students feel less alone.
Volunteers are trained to handle a range of emotional situations with sensitivity. They are taught to listen patiently, offer basic guidance, and refer the student to professional help if needed. The goal is to create a space where students feel heard and supported.
Why Phone Mitra Matters for Student Mental Health
In recent years, there's been a growing concern about student mental health in India. Many students deal with academic pressure, cultural adjustments, and personal issues in silence. Phone Mitra helps bridge the gap by offering a safe and accessible space for emotional expression.
The initiative also helps reduce the stigma around mental health. Since the support is offered in a friendly, non-clinical manner, students are more likely to reach out and open up. This early emotional support can help prevent more serious mental health issues down the line.
What Makes Phone Mitra Different
Unlike regular helplines, Phone Mitra is designed specifically for students. It’s not just about giving advice—it’s about building a connection. The volunteers are often people who understand student life and the challenges that come with it. This relatability creates trust and makes students feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts.
Plans to Expand and Improve
The government is now preparing to implement the Phone Mitra program across 268 residential educational facilities. As part of the rollout, each school or college will have 10 to 15 telephones, depending on the number of students enrolled. This will make it easy for students to reach out and speak with a volunteer when they need support.
