Gargi College, University of Delhi

Value Building Societies/Clubs

Ananda: The Wellbeing Centre

About

Welcome to the Gargi Centre for Wellbeing - 'Ananda'

Founded on February 1, 2023, under the visionary leadership of our Principal, Professor Sangeeta Bhatia, the Gargi Centre for Wellbeing stands as a testament to our commitment to the holistic development and prosperity of the Gargi community. This initiative was inaugurated virtually during the centenary year celebrations of the University of Delhi, with esteemed guests such as Prof. S.P. Singh, Director of South Campus, University of Delhi, Prof. A.K. Singh, Dean of Faculty of Commerce & Business, University of Delhi, and Prof. Amit Kumar Singh, Chairman of the Governing Body of Gargi College, highlighting our dedication to enhancing the well-being of the Gargi community.

Our foundation is rooted in the timeless wisdom of a Sanskrit Shloka from ancient Indian ures, embodying the essence of collective and holistic well-being. At Gargi, we embrace the universal concept of holistic well-being through interdisciplinary endeavors, empowering our community to create a positive environment. We believe in evolving collectively, maximizing well-being, and equipping ourselves with resilient life skills. Ananda -The Wellbeing Centre at Gargi College envisions utilizing a multicultural and multidisciplinary perspective to accredit community members with indigenous tools and skills, fostering growth in various spheres of life. This visionary idea resulted in the incubation of Ananda -The Wellbeing Centre. The Centre integrates positive and affirmative actions to impact the overall well-being of the Gargi community and welcomes anyone seeking growth with Gargi. We plan to adapt evidence-based practices from a multidisciplinary perspective, addressing the well-being of stakeholders and acknowledging how structural and systemic changes impact collective welfare.

We firmly believe that holistic well-being is comprehensive, all-inclusive, and achievable through impactful day-to-day choices and interventions across domains, enhancing the overall quality of life. Our major goals include enhancing individual and collective well-being, creating a kinder community through sensitization and dialogue, channelizing resources for training learners within and outside the community, and creating a positive impact while fostering core values.

Join us on this journey at the Ananda -The Wellbeing Centre, where we strive to make a positive difference in the lives of our community members and beyond.

Together, let's cultivate a culture of well-being and growth!

Office Bearers (2026-27)

Convenor : Prof. Preeti Pant : Ananda-The Wellbeing Centre
Co-Convenor : Prof Sabeen H. Rizvi : Ananda-The Wellbeing Centre
Member : Prof. Shashi Chawla : Ananda-The Wellbeing Centre
Member : Prof. Geeta Sidharth : Ananda-The Wellbeing Centre
Member : Dr. Madhu Yashpal : Ananda-The Wellbeing Centre
Member : Dr. Geeta Prakash : Ananda-The Wellbeing Centre
Member : Dr. Shubhra Barwa : Ananda-The Wellbeing Centre
Member : Dr. Neetu Chaudhary : Ananda-The Wellbeing Centre
Member : Ms. Vibhuti Mehta : Ananda-The Wellbeing Centre
Member : Dr. Bharti Sharma : Ananda-The Wellbeing Centre
Member : Dr. Deepika Dhall : Ananda-The Wellbeing Centre
Member : Ms. Soni Jaiswal : Ananda-The Wellbeing Centre
Member : Ms. Krishna Meena : Ananda-The Wellbeing Centre

Vision

Our vision is to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive center that serves as a thriving hub for students, faculty, and staff. Fueled by the ethos of 'sharing and caring,' we aspire to create a collaborative environment where ideas flourish, strengths are unearthed, and a vibrant community emerges. Our commitment is to foster positive transformations within individuals, embrace diversity across social groups, and contribute meaningfully to the betterment of society as a whole.

Mission

Promoting the overall well-being of the Gargi Community by offering interactive, preventive, and promotional activities that cater to spiritual, mental, emotional, social, and physical aspects.

Society Activities

Ananda conducted a series of impactful activities throughout the academic year of 2025-26 to promote holistic well-being within the Gargi community.
The year commenced with the ‘Internship Orientation’ (17th September) where 47 interns, nominated from each department, were welcomed into the Ananda Wellbeing Internship Program (AWIP). This was followed by ‘Gratitude Day’ (24th September), dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the invaluable contributions of the college’s supporting staff, including cleanliness and hygiene staff, gardeners, and security guards. An awareness session on ‘Alcoholism and Recovery’ (8th October), was conducted by members of the Shakti Women’s Group of Alcoholics Anonymous (Delhi IG) where they shared their lived experiences of struggle, resilience, and healing with students, faculty, and non-teaching staff. Encouraging creativity and sustainability, the ‘Turn Trash into Treasure’ (29th October) activity engaged students in transforming everyday waste materials into meaningful and useful products. The Holistic Life Management Program, in collaboration with Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation began on 1st October, focusing on life skills. The program covered topics like Relationships (12th November), Leadership (14th January), Personality Development (21st January), Stress Management (28th January), and Choosing less, Living more (11th February). As part of their experiential learning, all interns have also engaged in community service through medical seva, fostering empathy and social responsibility. A potluck for faculty and non-teaching staff (4th February) was organised fostering connection and a sense of togetherness beyond their professional roles. Further enriching the experience, a Meditative Nature Walk (24th February) to Arjun Jaitely Park, provided the interns a mindful pause from their academic routine. The academic year concluded with a valedictory ceremony (1st April) of AWIP and the Holistic Life Management Course, reflecting on the interns’ learnings and experiences. Appreciation and gratitude boxes were also placed across the college, encouraging notes of thankfulness and positivity. Through these diverse initiatives, Ananda fostered well-being, self-growth, and holistic development within the Gargi community.

Embracing a multicultural and diverse affirmative lens, we have been organizing a plethora of other activities too that help translate our philosophy into action. We hope to create a greater impact by sensitization and making mental health and well-being resources accessible to all. Some of the other activities for achieving holistic well-being are:

Meditation/Mindfulness (Rejuvenating body, mind, and soul through breathing and meditation practices).
Yoga Workshops (Finding collective meaning in the evidence-based interventions by practicing it).
Wellbeing Lecture Series (Helping in empowering with new knowledge & skills in different areas of wellbeing).
Skill Building Workshops (Organizing hands-on workshops by faculty/students and staff from in-house resources).
Conversation Circles (Breaking the ice and discussing what is important to you and me!).
Inspiring Life Narrative Series (Stories of resilience and empowerment that give us power and strength).
Heritage Walks (Revitalizing our energy by asserting our historical roots and identity).
Nature Walks (Rejuvenating ourselves by soaking in the therapeutic energy provided by mother nature).
Community Outreach Programs (Paying it forward and encouraging our community to volunteer and make the world a better place).
Growth Board and Social Media Awareness Campaigns (Daily reminders for better living on and Off Campus).
Sacred Space (A universal space to pray, ponder and evolve spiritually).
Certificate Courses (Floating diverse add-on courses by experts on various aspects of wellbeing).
Internship programme for Students of Gargi College
Alumni engagement (Roping in our bright and promising alumni for resource exchange and skill building).
Interlinkages with organizations working in the field of well-being.
Wellbeing Lab (Taking out time to translate the vision into measurable outcomes through research evidence).
Workshops and Empowerment programs under the Har Ghar Dhyan Initiative of the University of Delhi.

The Ananda Wellbeing Internship Program (AWIP) is much more than a learning opportunity. It is a journey of self-discovery, holistic health, and personal growth that empowers interns to cultivate well-being within themselves while equipping them to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of others. By integrating knowledge with lived experience and service, Ananda nurtures compassionate, mindful, and socially responsible individuals. Here's what our interns have to share about their transformative journey with Ananda.

"It was an amazing experience to be a part of the Medical Seva for the underprivileged society. Helping those who truly need it gave me a sense of peace and satisfaction. Mainly, I realised ki jab hum apni society ke liye kuch karte hain, toh woh feeling bilkul alag hoti hai. It reminded me that it’s our responsibility to give back to the community that we belong to"
The Medical Seva experience at Sri Sathya Sai International centre was immensely fulfilling. It allowed me to introspect into how serving people in society is nourishing for one's own soul as well. The other people volunteering there were full of hope, it provided me with a new sense of purpose and meaning. While doing the Narayan Seva, when people expressed their gratitude for food, it reminded me of how there are so many things to be thankful for in one's life. Seva was a core experience and lesson that I do believe I will not forget, and I wish to carry it throughout my life. I entered a flow state while working there, and there's so much beauty in losing your own self while serving others"
"Their simple “thank you” and smile made me realize how even small acts of help can make a big difference in someone’s day. This experience taught me that Seva is not just about doing work, but about showing kindness, patience, and respect to others. It also made me feel peaceful and satisfied from within"
"My Medical Seva at Sri Sathya Sai International Centre was a profoundly moving experience. This service felt nourishing to my own spirit. Witnessing the patients' trust and gratitude was a powerful reminder of the blessings in my own life and the true meaning of compassion. Working within the Centre's atmosphere of selfless giving filled me with a strong sense of purpose. This has left a lasting impression on me, and I will carry its lessons forward always."
"This experience made me reflect on the paradox of our society, while progress is visible in many areas, there are still communities lacking access to basic healthcare and nutrition. Yet, initiatives like this demonstrate how collective kindness can bridge these gaps. I witnessed how charity fosters human connection, dignity, and hope. The day was not only about service but also about learning empathy, gratitude, and the power of community"

Event Gallery

A potluck for faculty and non-teaching staff

Appreciation and gratitude boxes placed across the college

Awareness Session on ‘Alcoholism and Recovery

Meditative Nature Walk

‘Gratitude Day’ dedicated to invaluable contributions of the college’s supporting staff, including cleanliness and hygiene staff, gardeners, and security guards.

The Holistic Life Management Program in collaboration with Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation focusing on life skills.

Valedictory ceremony of Ananda Wellbeing Internship Program (AWIP) and the Holistic Life Management Course, reflecting on the interns’ learnings and experiences.