To,

Shri. Narendra Modi 

Hon'ble Prime Minister of India.

Dear Sir,

As an educationist deeply immersed in the Indian education system, I hold a strong conviction that our children need to emerge from schools not merely as job seekers, but as well-rounded individuals with the skill set to navigate life. It is with this thought that I urge the adoption of self-defence, mindfulness, and nutrition as mandatory subjects in every school across India.

Our current conventional education system does an admirable job in equipping our students with academic prowess. However, real-life skills that can safeguard their physical, mental, and physiological health are largely ignored. These skills are just as crucial to their development and play a significant role in enabling them to lead successful lives.

According to a report by UNICEF, one in three women in India are likely to face some form of gender-based violence in their lifetime. Yet, self-defence, a skill that can significantly reduce the likelihood of such incidents, is not taught uniformly in our schools. By making self-defence an obligatory part of our curriculum, we can empower our children to protect themselves and others.

Mindfulness and nutrition, on the other hand, can help combat the rising mental health issues and lifestyle diseases seen in our society. A global survey by the World Health Organisation (WHO) demonstrates a significant surge in anxiety and depression among younger populations. Moreover, the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism reveals an increasing trend of obesity and associated disorders among Indian youth due to lack of knowledge about proper nutrition.

The adoption of these subjects in our schools is not just a matter of curriculum enhancement; it is a call to future-proof our children. Let us provide them with the necessary skills to defend themselves, maintain mental stability, and understand the importance of a balanced diet.

Hence, it is my sincere request to you sir to take strong decisions in this regard and implement necessary policy changes in the upcoming NEP.