Expert PU college launches ‘Beacon Buddies’ club for Mental Health and Child Rights

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 11, 2025: Expert PU College, Valachil, inaugurated Beacon Buddies, a pioneering peer counseling initiative integrated with a Child Rights Club — the first of its kind in Karnataka. The initiative aims to provide student-led support for mental health while promoting child rights awareness across the campus.

The program, aptly named Beacon Buddies, seeks to be a guiding light for students, offering comfort, support, and a listening ear to those in need. The initiative was inaugurated by Mr. P. D. Nagaraj, Inspector of Kankanady Town Police Station, who praised the project, stating, “A club that listens, supports, and empowers fellow students is a remarkable step forward and will surely inspire other educational institutions across Karnataka.”

Ms. Shwetha N, Child Development Project Officer, Mangalore Urban, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour and described Beacon Buddies as “a platform for hope, happiness, and holistic student growth.”

The function was presided over by Prof. Narendra L. Nayak, Chairman of the Expert Group of Institutions, who emphasized the importance of empathy and peer connection. Dr. Usha Prabha N. Nayak, Vice Chairperson, highlighted the critical role of child rights and mental health awareness.

Other dignitaries who spoke included Mr. Ankush N. Nayak, IT Director, EXPERT; Dr. N. K. Vijayan Karippal, Principal and Chief Mentor of Beacon Buddies; Ms. Dhruthi Hegde, Vice Principal (Administration); and Ms. Arfiya Dharain, Student Leader of Beacon Buddies.

The event also featured the official logo release of Beacon Buddies and the distribution of badges to the newly inducted members. Guests felicitated winners of a poster design competition on Child Protection and Child Rights, organized as part of the launch. Additionally, the Beacon Buddies notice board was unveiled by Prof. Narendra L. Nayak and Dr. Usha Prabha N. Nayak.

The inauguration marks a milestone for Expert PU College, reflecting its commitment to nurturing emotionally resilient, socially aware, and compassionate young leaders.