**Summary:**
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, through the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), in partnership with UNICEF India, has launched the TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub) initiative. This national program aims to foster holistic development among students in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across India. TALASH is designed to improve education and personal growth by focusing on self-awareness, life skills, and career clarity.
The initiative targets over 138,336 students enrolled in EMRSs across 28 States and 8 Union Territories. TALASH utilizes a digital platform to provide psychometric assessments (inspired by NCERT's Tamanna initiative) to identify student strengths and interests, leading to Career Cards that suggest suitable career options. It also offers career counseling and life skills modules focused on problem-solving, communication, and emotional intelligence. A specialized e-learning portal is available for teachers to enhance their mentoring capabilities.
The national rollout of TALASH will be phased, with initial implementation in select cities. As of July 10, 2025, 189 teachers from 75 EMRSs have been trained to lead training sessions in their respective schools. The goal is to have TALASH active in all EMRSs by the end of 2025.
Mr. Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, Commissioner, NESTS, emphasizes the initiative's commitment to providing tribal students with opportunities to realize their full potential and bridge educational gaps. TALASH aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing holistic development and equal learning opportunities. The program will incorporate feedback from stakeholders and undergo regular evaluations to ensure its relevance and long-term success. NESTS is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. UNICEF works in over 190 countries to promote the rights and wellbeing of every child.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Tribal Affairs: The Indian government ministry responsible for the welfare and development of tribal communities.
TALASH Initiative: A national program launched by NESTS and UNICEF India to support the all-round development of students in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs): Schools across India established to provide quality education to tribal students.
National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS): An autonomous organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, dedicated to providing quality education to tribal students through EMRSs.
UNICEF India: The Indian branch of the United Nations Children's Fund, partnering with NESTS on the TALASH initiative.
National Education Policy NEP 2020: A comprehensive framework to guide the development of education in the country
Ajeet Kumar Srivastava: Commissioner, NESTS
India: The country where the TALASH initiative is implemented and where the EMRS schools are located.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
TALASH Initiative Set to Foster Holistic Excellence
Among Eklavya Model Residential Schools Students
Posted On: 10 JUL 2025 4:13PM by PIB Delhi
The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry
of Tribal Affairs, in partnership with UNICEF India launched TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and
Self-Esteem Hub) — a national- program to support the all-round development of students in Eklavya Model
Residential Schools (EMRSs). TALASH aims to improve both the education and personal growth of tribal
students across India.
The name TALASH, reflects a focused search for self-awareness, life skills, and career clarity among tribal
youth.
The first initiative of its kind in India is aimed specifically at tribal students. It is expected to benefit over
1,38,336 students enrolled in EMRSs across 28 States and 8 Union Territories, making it a truly national
movement for inclusive education.
TALASH is an innovative digital platform designed to equip EMRS students with essential tools for self-
discovery and career planning. It promotes self-awareness, helps students make informed career choices, and
builds essential life skills. By focusing on both academic and personal development, TALASH prepares
students to face the challenges of a competitive world and aims to create a strong foundation for their future
success.
The initiative offers:
Psychometric Assessments: Inspired by NCERT’s ‘Tamanna’ initiative, TALASH offers a
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common aptitude test to help understand each student’s strengths and interests. Based on the test
results, students receive Career Cards that suggest the best career options suited to their skills and
abilities.
Career Counselling : The platform guides students toward informed career decisions, helping
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them align their aspirations with their aptitudes.
Life Skills & Self-Esteem Modules: TALASH has special sections that help students learn
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important life skills like solving problems, communication skills, and handling emotions. These
build confidence and self- value of students.
E-Learning for Teachers: A specialized portal equips educators with resources and training to
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effectively mentor and support students in their academic and personal journeys.
The national rollout of the TALASH initiative will follow a phased rollout across select cities for a smooth
and inclusive implementation.
So far, 189 teachers from 75 EMRSs have been trained and are now leading training sessions in their
own schools under the initiative.
By end of 2025, TALASH will be active in all EMRSs to support tribal students in discovering their
strengths, building life skills, and gaining self-confidence.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, Commissioner, NESTS, said,
“TALASH is a testament to our commitment to providing tribal students with opportunities to
realize their full potential. Through this initiative, we aim to bridge gaps in education and
empower the next generation of tribal leaders.”The partnership between NESTS and UNICEF reflects a shared commitment to inclusive and equitable
education. Through the use of technology and evidence-based tools, the TALASH initiative will enable tribal
students, even in remote areas, to have access to quality resources. Aligned with the vision of the National
Education Policy (NEP) 2020, TALASH focuses on holistic development and equal learning opportunities for
all.
TALASH will continue to evolve by incorporating feedback from students, teachers, and stakeholders, while
regular evaluations and updates will help tailor the platform to the specific needs of EMRS students, ensuring
its long-term success and relevance.
Note:
About NESTS: The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) is an autonomous organization
under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, dedicated to providing quality education to tribal students through
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across India.
About UNICEF: UNICEF works in over 190 countries to promote the rights and well-being of every child,
with a focus on education, health, and protection for the most vulnerable communities.
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RN
(Release ID: 2143712)