With the vision of a ‘Healthy Uttarakhand, Strong India’, a unique opportunity mental health initiative is launched for police personnel in Kumaon
Himalaya Harbinger, Uttarakhand Bureau
In a groundbreaking initiative to promote the mental well-being of police personnel, the Uttarakhand Police has launched ‘Mission Samvaad’—a comprehensive mental health programme that aims to strengthen the emotional resilience of officers and staff working in the challenging terrains of the Kumaon region. The programme was formally inaugurated in the esteemed presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, with Director General of Police Deepam Seth joining via video conference, and Inspector General of Kumaon, Riddhim Aggarwal, playing a pivotal role in conceptualising and executing the mission.
Inspired by the Chief Minister’s vision of a “Healthy Uttarakhand, Strong India,” the initiative reflects a sensitive and forward-thinking approach to police reforms. The psychological strain borne by police officers working in the hilly and socially complex Kumaon division has long been a matter of concern, and Mission Samvaad now stands as a milestone effort to address these challenges head-on.
To bring this vision to life, the police department has partnered with School of Life, a reputed NGO working in the fields of mental health counselling, stress management, and lifestyle transformation. The programme will be implemented in three structured phases—beginning with workshops in Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar, followed by targeted support for stress-affected personnel through counselling, yoga, and meditation. Critical cases will be addressed with in-depth therapy involving family participation, monitored via a specially developed Samvaad Mobile App.
This app is designed to ensure confidentiality, accessibility, and real-time assistance. “All police personnel in Kumaon will have the app installed, which already contains individual profiles to provide private and prompt support,” said IG Kumaon Riddhim Aggarwal. “They can report stress or emotional issues at any time, and our expert team will respond quickly and discreetly.”
Commissioner Deepak Rawat, SSPs from several districts, SPs, and commanders of PAC/IRB battalions participated both in person and virtually during the event. As Uttarakhand Police takes this historic step, the message is clear: “We will not be defeated by stress, but by dialogue—we shall overcome.”
