Opinion | When Teachers Learn Together Reflections From the UMANG Teacher Fellowship Offline Session at Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai

When Teachers Learn Together Social Emotional Learning Comes Alive You Strengthen Self Awareness Build Empathy and Create Classrooms Where Learning and Mental Health Grow Side By Side

Attending the offline session of the UMANG Fellowship at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai in the last week of January 2026 was a deeply meaningful experience for me. It was not only a professional milestone. It was also a personal dream fulfilled. Being part of a national fellowship focused on Social Emotional Learning gave me clarity, confidence, and renewed purpose as an educator.

UMANG stands for Uplifting Minds and Nurturing Growth. The fellowship brings together educators from across India who believe that education must care for both the mind and the heart. The offline session at TISS Mumbai created a rare space where teachers could slow down, reflect, and learn together. Around fifty educators from different states, institutions and backgrounds came together with one shared goal. To understand Social Emotional Learning deeply and apply it meaningfully in schools and communities.

The moment I stepped into the TISS campus I felt the seriousness and warmth of the space. The campus location itself reflects openness and inclusivity. It is a place where ideas breathe freely. The environment encouraged dialogue, listening and honest reflection. This setting played a key role in shaping the learning experience during the fellowship session.

The sessions on Social Emotional Learning were impressive and thoughtfully designed. The focus was clear. Students need emotional skills to thrive. Teachers also need emotional care and mental health support. Often Teacher wellbeing is ignored in discussions on education reform. UMANG addressed this gap directly. The sessions helped Us understand that emotionally healthy teachers create emotionally safe classrooms. This is not theory. Research consistently shows that emotionally supported teachers are more effective. They build better relationships with students. They manage classrooms with empathy. They reduce stress and burnout.

The learning sessions were led by experienced and inspiring facilitators. I feel honored to have learned directly from Ms. Anju Joy, Ms. Lata Das, and Ms. Simone Morarka. Each session was practical and grounded in real experiences. The facilitators did not speak from a distance. They listened. They engaged. They respected the lived realities of teachers working in diverse contexts. This approach made the sessions impactful and relevant.

The fellowship sessions focused on self awareness, emotional regulation, empathy and reflective practice. These are not additional skills. These are core teaching competencies. We discussed how teachers can integrate SEL into daily classroom practices without adding burden. Simple strategies were shared. Active listening. Check in circles. Emotion naming. Mindful pauses. These small actions can create lasting change in school culture.

One powerful realization during the session was this. Teachers often care for everyone except themselves. The fellowship encouraged us to look inward. To acknowledge stress. To accept vulnerability. To seek support without shame. Mental health care for teachers is not a luxury. It is a necessity. This message resonated strongly with all participants.

Being part of the UMANG cohort felt special. It was truly a dream to be among fifty dedicated educators selected from across India. Each participant brought unique experiences and perspectives. Yet, there was no hierarchy. No competition. Only shared learning. The sense of collective purpose was strong.

The fellowship cohort included educators such as Agnes Kurian, Anushree Shirgaonkar, Archis Bidwe, Arnab Choudhury, Babita Sinha, Bhavya Lanka, Bushra Anis, Chetna Khosla, Devvrat Shukla, Dr Rajvi Desai, Dr Shripad Bhalchandra Unde, Dr Kaibalya Kumar Sethi, Gayatri Bajaj, Geeta Harisinganey, Indrajeet M. Acharjee, Jinal Baxi, Jinu John, Karan Suresh Shah, Karanpal Singh, Krishna Shah, Lipi Dutta, Madhu Kumari, Madhurima Chatterjee, Mamta, Meenu Chandiok, Minu Dubey, Munawara Shaikh, Muneer Ahmed, Nagesh Tiwari, Neeraj, Ojaswita Sharma, Polash Banerjee, Priya Vij, Raga Ravi, Richa Aggarwal, Rojalin Behera, Rumkee Roy, Sahiti V, Sandra Dsilva, Santosh Sahebrao Saknur, Sapna Pravin Iyer, Saraswathy Krishnan, Saritha R, Sharayu Kolharkar, Shivam Luthra, Shruti Bhatia, Sumedha Anand, Sumita Gowdety, Supriya Iyengar, Swapna Nair, Tapopriya Mukherjee, Thangalakshmi Ramakrishnan, Toral Nagda, Vaishali Rajesh Thakur, Vibha Swaminathan Iyer, Vikram Singh, Vishal Sabhad and myself, Mukhtar Ahmad Qureshi. This diverse group reflected the true spirit of Indian education.

What stood out was the absence of ego and professional rivalry. People connected as human beings first. There were no barriers of caste, colour, religion, gender or religion. Conversations flowed naturally. Friendships formed quickly. Trust was built without effort. This environment itself was a living example of Social Emotional Learning in action.

The informal moments were equally meaningful. Tea and lunch sessions became spaces for deeper bonding. Sharing meals together created warmth and comfort. I extend My heartfelt thanks to the UMANG team and Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai for the hospitality. These gestures matter. They make participants feel valued and respected.

I would like to express special gratitude to Mr. Indrajeet Chatterjee a dedicated educator from Mumbai. His hospitality throughout the day was exceptional. He gave his time generously. He took care of logistics. He bore expenses without hesitation. His actions reflected true human values. Kindness. Generosity. Respect for others. These values go beyond professional roles.

I also extend special thanks to Sister Munawara Shaikh and her husband Mr. Altaf Ahmad. They spared an entire day from their busy Mumbai schedule to support and accompany Me. In a city where time is precious this gesture carried deep meaning. It showed care and solidarity. Such acts strengthen professional relationships and build lasting bonds.

The UMANG Offline Session reinforced one key lesson. Social Emotional Learning is not optional. It is essential. As Educators We focus heavily on Curriculum, Assessment and Learning Outcomes. We must also focus on emotional wellbeing. On connection. On purpose. On self care. When Teachers heal classrooms heal. When classrooms heal society benefits.

This experience will stay with Me forever. The learning. The people. The conversations. The shared silence and shared laughter. These moments cannot be forgotten. They remind Us Why We chose Teaching as a Profession. Not only to teach subjects. But to nurture human beings.

UMANG at TISS Mumbai was not just a fellowship Session. It was a reminder. Teachers grow best when they learn together.

(Writer is a Teacher, An Author and a Columnist. He Can Be Teacher on mukhtar.qur@gmail.com )