article featured in Times of India.

March 30, 2021

I'm delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to an article featured in Times of India. This article addresses important topics related to the upcoming elections in Kerala. I've consistently maintained a non-political stance, prioritizing the welfare of the people.   The article features a series of questions presented by Sudha, and I provided my unedited responses. Here are the key points covered:  

1. In my assessment, the LDF is likely to continue its rule in Kerala for the next five years. They have demonstrated resilience in the face of multiple crises, including Sabarimala conflicts, devastating floods, Nipah outbreaks, and the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This resilience may sway those who are not strongly aligned with any political side.

 

2. The central issues in this election encompass rebuilding the economy while ensuring the health and safety of the population. Key concerns include creating jobs, ensuring job security, preventing environmental crises like floods, and maintaining transparency to combat corruption effectively.

 

3. In the three-cornered contest between LDF, UDF, and NDA, I believe the NDA is gradually gaining momentum. While they may not secure a ruling position, they are making significant progress, supported by the central government.

 

4. I evaluate the four main factors—Covid containment, Corruption, Communalism, and Candidate—in terms of their influence in this election. Covid containment ranks highest in importance due to the ongoing uncertainties and the strategies implemented to manage the pandemic. Corruption and scams are also significant, given their media coverage, followed by the divisive issue of communalism. The influence of specific candidates is likely to be less prominent.

 

5. I propose a reform agenda based on the "4Es":

   -  Emotional Health and Empowerment : Recognizing that mental health is integral to overall health, we must address the mental health crisis that has emerged alongside the pandemic. This includes a focus on vulnerable groups, particularly children with physical/neurological disabilities and their families, through training and empowerment of teachers and parents.    -  Education : Shifting our approach from mere literacy to comprehensive education is crucial. We should emphasize inclusive and individualized education programs, reforming current systems (both online and offline) to adapt to changing student needs.    -  Environment : Safeguarding our natural resources, including our green belt, backwaters, and overall environmental health, is essential. This includes measures to prevent pollution, floods, landslides, and efficient waste disposal.    -  E-Commerce : The digital landscape is here to stay. We should explore electronic platforms for various domains, including MSMEs, education, law, social justice, health, food, travel, and tourism, while ensuring the safety and well-being of all stakeholders.   I want to emphasize that my expertise lies in the empowerment of vulnerable populations, focusing on areas such as Mental Health, Disability, Education, Parenting, Child Rights, and Safety, rather than clinical psychology or clinical practice.