Mandi girl to study mental health at Tata institute in Mumbai

Sunishka Gupta, a determined young girl from Mandi district, has made headlines by securing admission to the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai for a master’s degree in social work, specialising in mental health. This achievement is a significant milestone not only for Sunishka, but also for her home district and the state.

The selection process for TISS is highly competitive, involving the Central University Entrance Test (CUET), followed by a rigorous interview process. Out of thousands of applicants from across the country, Sunishka emerged as one of the top candidates, earning her place among just 27 selected students, including a few international peers.

In addition to her acceptance at TISS, Sunishka was also offered a place at the Indian Institute of Psychology Research in Bengaluru but chose TISS for its esteemed reputation and specialised curriculum.

Sunishka’s educational journey began in a rural setting at Beas View Model School, Baggi, where she studied until Class VIII. She then completed her Class XII at Indus Global School in Mandi, where she showed resilience after initially securing a 10 percentile in her matriculation examination from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Undeterred, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology (honours) from Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi, which laid a strong foundation for her future studies.

TISS, established by the Tata Education Trust 75 years ago, is recognised as one of India’s premier educational institutions, focusing on social sciences and addressing critical social issues. Sunishka’s success story inspires many aspiring students from rural backgrounds, showcasing that dedication and hard work can lead to success.