National Mental Well-being Programme by AIRF, INDIA 
Strengthens Support for Indian Railway Workers

Abu Road, India – From 17 to 19 August 2026

Report by Com Kona Vishnu, Coordinator International Affairs & Media,
AIRF, INDIA

All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) organised a National Mental Well-being Programme at the Brahma Kumaris Ashram in Abu Road, India from 17th to 19th Aug 2026. The three-day residential programme brought together 46 AIRF activists from all zones on Indian Railways to build awareness, practical skills and peer-support capacity around mental health in the railway workforce.

The initiative was held under the guidance of Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary of AIRF & Executive Board Member of ITF and was attended by Com. Praveena Singh (Women Chairperson, AIRF), Com. Mukesh Mathur (General Secretary, NWRMU) and Com. L. N. Pathak (Zonal Secretary, AIRF/RCFMU/RBL). It was organised and facilitated by Com. Divya Sharma and Com. Manoj Mishra, with psychologist Ms. Lisa leading the core learning and interactive sessions. The programme continues AIRF’s Mental Well-being Project, originally developed with support from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).

Opening Focus on Workplace Stress

In the inaugural session, Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra underlined the high levels of stress faced by railway workers because of the demanding and irregular nature of their duties. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had further intensified anxiety and stress among employees and stressed the need to resume and strengthen regular engagement on mental well-being.

Com. Praveena Singh highlighted the specific pressures faced by women railway employees, especially those entering technical and operating roles. Irregular hours and workplace challenges can affect mental health; she emphasised that well-being first responders can offer a safe point of contact and guide colleagues toward professional help when needed.

Com. Mukesh Mathur spoke of zonal efforts to promote mental well-being for both employees and their families, arguing that unions must extend care beyond the workplace. Com. L. N. Pathak and representatives of the Brahma Kumaris Ashram also underlined the equal importance of mental and physical health. The programme was formally inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp.

Practical Learning Across Three Days

Day One concentrated on understanding and managing stress. Participants examined biological, psychological and environmental causes of stress, recognised symptoms, and practised coping techniques suited to railway working conditions. A group activity helped identify common stressors and realistic solutions. In the evening, participants visited the Brahma Kumaris Solar Plant, linking personal well-being with environmental responsibility.

Day Two opened with a meditation session. After a recap and homework discussion, the agenda moved to time management (including the Urgent/Important Matrix, procrastination and realistic scheduling), sleep hygiene, and an extensive module on Well-being First Responder Skills and Peer Support. Topics covered included the role and ethical responsibilities of a first responder, communication skills, recognising serious distress, and the principles of peer support. Role-play exercises allowed participants to practise appropriate responses in workplace and home situations. A self-love and self-care activity encouraged participants to affirm one another’s strengths, producing personal “report cards” they could keep for difficult moments.

The final learning session, led by Com. Divya Sharma and Com. Manoj Mishra, focused on future planning and strengthening youth participation. Participants began developing action plans to promote mental well-being in their own zones and divisions.

Commitment to Grassroots Reach

AIRF leaders observed the sessions throughout and expressed appreciation for the participants’ engagement. Com. Praveena Singh urged activists to support one another and step forward when colleagues are in need. Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra called for the project to reach the grassroots level and for mental well-being to be integrated into the union’s educational programmes so that railway workers are better prepared to recognise and respond to stress and emotional distress.

The programme closed with participant feedback, evaluation and a collective pledge to care for themselves, their fellow railway employees and their families, and to carry the message of mental well-being across the railway organisation. An informal visit to Mount Abu, including a laser show, provided space for participants to relax and build solidarity beyond the formal sessions.

Participants left Abu Road with practical tools, a clearer sense of responsibility as potential first responders, and renewed commitment to making mental well-being an integral part of railway working life.































































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