Pramod Kumar is the Academic Coordinator of Deepshikha Institute for Child Development and Mental Health. He has been associated with this institute for the past 21 years, dedicating his expertise to the field of child development and mental health. Moreover, he holds the position of Course Coordinator for the diploma courses offered at our institute. Additionally, he oversees the academic programs, curricula, and overall educational development.

Mr Kumar completed his graduation from Vinoba Bhave University and obtained his master's degree from Ranchi University. Furthermore, he pursued a diploma in special education from Deepshikha Institute for Child Development and Mental Health and a B.Ed in special education from Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University.

Deepshikha Institute for Child Development and Mental Health

What are your roles and responsibilities as being the academic director of this institute?

As the Academic Director of Deepshikha Institute for Child Development and Mental Health, my roles and responsibilities encompass overseeing the overall functionalities of both the school and college divisions within the institute. I am entrusted with ensuring the effective operation and smooth running of various programs and initiatives.

One of my key responsibilities is to oversee and manage the teachers training program. I take a proactive role in monitoring and guiding the training program, providing input and guidance whenever necessary to ensure its quality and effectiveness. Additionally, as the Academic Director, I have a broad scope of responsibilities. I am involved in the day-to-day activities of the institute, overseeing the overall functioning of the various departments and ensuring that they are aligned with our mission and vision. Furthermore, I play a pivotal role in collaborating with faculty members, staff, and other stakeholders to develop and implement educational policies and practices that support the holistic development of our students. 

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty?

Establishing healthy relationships between students and fellow faculty members is of utmost importance to us at Deepshikha Institute for Child Development and Mental Health. One way we promote healthy relationships is through organizing regular programs and events, often scheduled on Fridays. These activities include sports, cultural events, and other engaging initiatives that provide opportunities for students and faculty to come together. By implementing these programs and initiatives, we aim to bridge any gaps and create an atmosphere of openness and trust. 

We value feedback from our students, and it is heartening to hear that Deepshikha Institute has become a turning point in their lives. By fostering healthy relationships, we create an environment where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, seeking guidance, and sharing their concerns. 

What are the different types of courses offered in this institute?

At Deepshikha Institute for Child Development and Mental Health, we offer a specialized course known as the Diploma in Special Education, Intellectual and Developmental Disability. This course holds great significance as it is recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India, New Delhi, which is a statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Our institute is proud to be one of the pioneers in offering this course in the state of Jharkhand since 1991. 

Upon successful completion of the Diploma in Special Education, Intellectual and Developmental Disability, students gain valuable qualifications and are eligible for various career paths. They can pursue a career as primary teachers in general education, teaching students from Class 1 to Class 5. 

What is the future of the students after completing this course?

Upon completing the Diploma in Special Education, Intellectual and Developmental Disability from our institute, students have promising prospects and a range of opportunities in their future careers. They become eligible to work as primary teachers in general education, teaching students from Class 1 to Class 5. Additionally, they can pursue career opportunities as resource teachers and special educators employed by the Government of Jharkhand.

Moreover, our students are eligible to appear for special education teacher recruitment examinations conducted by different states across India. This opens up further avenues for employment in various educational institutions, including both government and private schools.

Check Deepshikha Institute for Child Development and Mental Health Courses & Fees

Can you throw some light on how the course has been designed?

The course has been meticulously designed to provide comprehensive education and practical training to students in the field of special education. Students are required to complete a total of six theory papers and six practical papers in the first and second years. This balanced approach ensures that students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in their future careers.

In addition to theoretical and practical examinations, students are also assigned various practical assignments during their course. These assignments provide hands-on experience and opportunities for students to apply the knowledge they have gained in real-world settings. Upon successful completion of the course, students are presented with excellent career opportunities. After gaining experience and expertise, students also have the option to establish their own private practice in the field of special education. 

What is the fee structure of this course?

The fee structure for the course at Deepshikha Institute for Child Development and Mental Health is designed to ensure accessibility for students while maintaining the quality of education and services provided. Initially, we received support from the government, allowing us to offer the course free of charge. However, in recent times, we no longer receive government support for this course. As a result, we have implemented a nominal fee structure to sustain the operations and resources required for delivering high-quality education.

To further support students and make education more accessible, the Government of Jharkhand offers the E Kalyan Scholarship. This scholarship program provides financial assistance to eligible students belonging to specific categories. By providing information about available scholarships and support programs, we aim to assist students in accessing the necessary financial resources to pursue their studies effectively. We encourage prospective students to inquire with the institute's administration or visit the official government scholarship portals for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

When you came to the college, what was your vision and how are you trying to achieve the same? 

When I joined Deepshikha Institute for Child Development and Mental Health, I brought with me a vision to serve society and address the critical need for trained teachers in the field of special education. My primary goal has been to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

I realized that there was a lack of awareness and knowledge among parents regarding the specific needs of their disabled children. This realization further fueled my ambition to bridge this gap and provide quality services to families in every district of the state, regardless of their location.

To achieve this vision, I worked tirelessly to expand the reach of our institute's services and training programs. We focus on training a skilled workforce of teachers in special education who can be deployed across different districts and remote areas. Additionally, I actively collaborate with government officials, organizations, and stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of special education and advocate for the availability of services at all levels. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. However, I am committed to pursuing my vision and making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve. 

What are the challenges you faced/ are facing to uplift the quality of education of your department? 

One of the significant challenges we face in uplifting the quality of education in our department is the timely identification and intervention for mentally disabled children. A major issue we have observed is that parents are often unaware of their child's disability at an early stage. By the time the parents realise the disability, the window of opportunity for early intervention and effective treatment has already passed. This poses a significant challenge as we strive to provide the best possible education and support to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

To address this challenge, we have initiated various awareness programs targeted at parents, government officials, media outlets, and NGOs. These programs aim to increase awareness about the importance of early identification and intervention for children with disabilities. We have also been actively involved in collaborating with other organizations, professionals, and stakeholders to advocate for the importance of timely treatment and rehabilitation. Through media campaigns, workshops, and community engagement, we are working towards creating a society that understands and supports the needs of individuals with disabilities.

What do you see the department’s/ college’s greatest strengths and how it can be enhanced? 

One of the greatest strengths of our department and institute is our dedicated and passionate manpower. The faculties and teachers working in our institute are committed to their roles and responsibilities, despite not receiving substantial support from the government. Our dedicated faculty members and teachers go above and beyond to ensure that students receive the necessary skills and knowledge to serve as effective special educators and make a positive impact on society.

Similarly, the management team of our institute also demonstrates a high level of dedication and selflessness. To enhance the strengths of our department and institute, we continuously strive to improve our resources and infrastructure. We seek support and collaboration from various stakeholders, including government bodies, organizations, and individuals, to further enhance our capabilities. By strengthening our resources, we can provide better facilities, training materials, and opportunities for our students and faculty members.

What valuable advice would you like to the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead?

In today's world, I see many young individuals facing confusion and uncertainty when it comes to choosing the right path for their career. My advice to the youth is to take a step back, reflect, and make informed choices that will pave the way for a prosperous career ahead. It is crucial to identify your passions and interests. Take the time to understand what truly excites you and where your strengths lie. Rather than blindly following trends or societal expectations, focus on finding a path that resonates with your inner self.

Once you have identified your areas of interest, set clear goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. It is important to have a sense of direction and purpose in your career journey. Plan your steps accordingly, breaking down larger goals into smaller achievable milestones. While it is essential to have ambition and work hard, remember that success is not solely defined by external achievements or material gains. Seek opportunities where you can utilize your skills and knowledge to serve the needs of the community.

Additionally, never underestimate the power of continuous learning and personal growth. Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning, staying curious and open to new experiences. Invest in your own development by seeking out relevant training, workshops, and mentorship opportunities