In News:

The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with UNICEF India, has launched TALASH — Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub — a first-of-its-kind national initiative aimed at fostering the holistic development of tribal students enrolled in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).

Launched in July 2025, TALASH reflects a focused effort to promote self-awareness, life skills, and career clarity among tribal youth across India. The initiative aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing inclusive, equitable, and holistic education.

Key Objectives:

• Support all-round development of over 1.38 lakh EMRS students across 28 States and 8 Union Territories.
• Strengthen academic learning, while building life skills, self-esteem, and career readiness.
• Bridge educational and psychological gaps for tribal youth, especially in remote and underprivileged areas.

Core Features of TALASH

• Digital Self-Discovery Platform: TALASH is an innovative digital portal that equips students with tools for career planning, aptitude assessment, and personal development.
• Psychometric Assessments: Inspired by NCERT’s Tamanna initiative, it offers a standardized aptitude test to identify students’ strengths, interests, and potential career paths.
  Students are provided with Career Cards based on test results.
• Career Counselling Support: Helps students make informed choices by aligning their aspirations with personal aptitude and career opportunities.
• Life Skills & Self-Esteem Modules: Includes interactive content to build problem-solving abilities, emotional intelligence, communication skills, and self-confidence.
• E-Learning for Educators: Offers a dedicated teacher portal for capacity building, enabling educators to mentor and support students effectively.

Implementation and Outreach

• The program is being rolled out in phases, starting in select EMRSs for smooth execution.
• So far, 189 teachers from 75 EMRSs have been trained as master trainers.
• By the end of 2025, TALASH aims to be active in all EMRSs nationwide.

Institutional Backing and Vision

• NESTS: An autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, responsible for the establishment and administration of EMRSs to ensure quality education for tribal students.
• UNICEF India: Brings global expertise in child development, focusing on equitable access, well-being, and digital empowerment.