Empowering Young Minds

Monica Bahl, CEO, Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC), shares insights on integrating holistic learning of beauty and wellness into CBSE’s NEP curriculum for middle school students.

In a rapidly evolving world, education is no longer confined to textbooks and traditional subjects. Holistic learning encompassing life skills, personal well-being and vocational training has become an essential part of shaping well-rounded individuals.

Recognising this, the Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC), in collaboration with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), has taken a pioneering step by integrating beauty and wellness modules into the National Education Policy (NEP) curriculum for middle school students. This initiative goes beyond conventional learning, instilling essential life skills, promoting mindfulness and inspiring young minds to adopt healthier lifestyles from an early age.

Monica Bahl, CEO, B&WSSC, expressed her enthusiasm about this initiative: “We are not just teaching students about beauty and wellness, we are imparting essential life skills that will help them in their overall development.”

She emphasises that while beauty and wellness subjects have been a part of high school vocational education for the past eight years, NEP 2020 provided a remarkable opportunity to introduce them earlier, allowing students to explore their interests at a formative stage.

The curriculum is not just about beautification techniques it is about equipping students with practical life skills. From understanding personal hygiene and maintaining good posture to adopting basic nutrition practices, these modules focus on overall well-being, ensuring that students develop habits that will serve them throughout their lives. “It’s about instilling a sense of self-care and wellness from an early age so that it becomes a natural part of their routine,” Bahl added.

In today’s digital age, where screen time is at an all-time high and instant gratification is the norm, young learners often struggle with attention deficits and poor posture. Recognising this, the curriculum incorporates wellness practices such as yoga and meditation. These techniques not only help students disconnect from digital distractions but also improve concentration and overall health. Simple wellness tips such as performing Yoga stretches and following basic ergonomic advice like correct seating posture while sitting during the class or while working on their study desk or on their laptop, are included to encourage better lifestyle habits. “Wellness is not just physical - it encompasses emotional and spiritual aspects as well. If we can teach the children the importance of selfreflection and co-existence in a cohesive environment, then we can look forward to developing happy and bright adolescents and teenagers.” she explained.

To make learning more engaging and relatable, B&WSSC and CBSE have developed comic book-style educational materials. These visually appealing resources cover a wide range of topics, including personal grooming, posture, communication skills and first aid, making the learning process fun and interactive. Designed to be completed within 12 hours, these modules ensure that students grasp key concepts efficiently while enjoying the process. By presenting information in an engaging format, students are more likely to retain and apply these skills in their daily lives.

The beauty and wellness modules introduced through this initiative transcend traditional vocational training. They equip students with life skills that will benefit them well beyond their school years, fostering confidence, mindfulness, and a sense of well-being. Bahl summarised the impact of this effort, “This initiative is not about creating future beauticians or hairdressers, it is about nurturing responsible individuals who value self-care, mindfulness, and holistic living.”

With NEP 2020 incorporating diverse vocational subjects— ranging from artificial intelligence and financial literacy to pottery and graphic novel making— students now have the opportunity to explore multiple disciplines at a young age. By equipping them with essential skills early on, this initiative ensures that they are better prepared for a balanced, healthier and more fulfilling future.

- As told to Priyanka Parshurami