RRU Starts Mental Health Support For Coast Guard Teams

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Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gandhinagar has signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Coast Guard Welfare and Wellness Association (CGWWA), North Western Region, on 14 August 2025. This formalises a plan for sustained mental and behavioural health support for ICG personnel and CGWWA members.
RRU is a central university focused on national security, cyber security, and forensics, and is designated as an Institution of National Importance under the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs.

• The effort is led by RRU’s School of Behavioural Sciences and Forensic Investigations (SBSFI). It aims to build psychological resilience, reduce mental health stigma, and strengthen emotional well-being in both the operational and family contexts of Coast Guard personnel.
  RRU’s mission as a security and police university includes training, research, education, and extension—making this partnership well-aligned with its TREE model.

• Dr Jasbir Thadhani, University Dean (I/C), and Dr Noorin Chaudhary, Acting Director of SBSFI, will oversee a team of trained professionals from RRU who will conduct regular on-site mental health sessions.
  RRU has expertise in areas like clinical psychology, forensics, and cyber-related threats—key for specialised counselling and training.

• RRU states this will help experts from the university to provide “fresh and healthy mind” support to the Indian Coast Guard. They also mentioned that SBSFI has already offered support to ICG officials and their families in past initiatives.
  CGWWA’s health wing, Sanjeevan, already promotes awareness and mental health through yoga, meditation, health lectures, and counselling—so RRU’s efforts complement existing activity.

• The MoU was signed by Dr Jasbirkaur Thadhani for RRU and Mrs Archana Sashi Kumar, President of CGWWA North West, representing both the ICG and CGWWA.
  The Indian Coast Guard was formed in 1978 and is a maritime security force under the Ministry of Defence.

• This agreement paves the way for joint research initiatives, training, and welfare programs benefiting RRU and ICG families in the Northwestern Region.
  RRU’s multiple campuses nationwide and its research strengths in cyber-forensics and behavioural science make it well-positioned for such collaborations.

• A meeting followed the signing: RRU officials and representatives of ICG and CGWWA planned a future roadmap for effective implementation, seeking mutual growth and long-term partnership.
  CGWWA, also known as “Tatrakshika,” focuses on welfare—organising education schemes, relief support, scholarships, and community programs—a strong match for structured mental health support.

• Mrs Archana Sashi Kumar expressed excitement about working with SBSFI and highlighted the benefits for Coast Guard officials and their families.
  CGWWA often organises health camps, counseling sessions, family welfare events, and emergency support projects—a supportive base for RRU’s extended engagement.

• The MoU covers several aims:

  • Mental health support: Counselling and psychological services for stress, trauma, and emotional well-being of ICG personnel and families.

  • Skill development training: Workshops on resilience, stress management, and personal growth tailored for Coast Guard needs.

  • Family welfare: Activities supporting families of ICG personnel, recognising their role in overall wellness.

  • Research and development: Co-created studies to understand and improve wellness in uniformed personnel, leading to evidence-based practices.

  • Expert consultation: RRU faculty offering guided support for specific ICG challenges.
    RRU offers advanced education and training in allied areas like forensic psychology, crisis management, and cyber security—these skills are valuable for customised programs for ICG.

• The agreement reflects a shared commitment to supporting those who serve in national security and marine safety, based on discussions between SBSFI, RRU’s leadership, and CGWWA members to identify needs and expectations.
  CGWWA’s structure includes wings like “Suraksha” (support for widows), “Sneha” (charity), “Sanchar” (communication and magazine), and “Shristi” (environment initiatives)—a holistic welfare model.

• After the formalities, participants toured RRU’s facilities: the SBSFI, the School of Physical Education and Sports (SPES), and the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC). This showcased RRU’s academic diversity, fitness and sports emphasis, innovation potential, and research infrastructure.
  RRU offers degrees ranging from security management to cyber security, forensic science, and behavioural fields—highlighting its multidisciplinary capacity.

• SBSFI students also interacted with Deputy Commandant Amrita Kaur and Dr Umang G. (Medical Officer) to learn about ICG operations and mental health approaches.
  Such engagement promotes cross-learning between students and service practitioners—strengthening practical understanding.

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