Haan Main
A Social Initiative
Say "YES" to Yourself
Boost self-esteem through art therapy
Mission
Haan Main is a social initiative that aims to enhance self-esteem in children aged 8-12 through art therapy by providing a structured workbook that encourages self-discovery, goal-setting, and a positive mindset. It addresses the critical need for mental and emotional well-being in young students, fostering confidence and resilience to navigate personal and academic challenges.
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"Art speaks where words are unable to"
Mathiole
This art therapy workbook was created with the hope that every child can find a safe space to explore their emotions. Art therapy is not about making something “perfect.” It’s about using colors, shapes, and imagination to give voice to feelings that words sometimes cannot capture.
The activities in the this workbook are designed to help children express themselves freely to teachers and parents. Each exercise invites them to discover new things about themselves, while still having fun along the way.
At its heart, Haan Main is a celebration of saying “yes” to yourself — yes to your feelings, yes to the person you are, and yes to your dreams and aspirations. It is a reminder that every part of you is worth celebrating.
Anuva Garodia
Founder
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Anuva Garodia is a DP2 (class 12) student at Pathways School Gurgaon who has embarked on a compassionate journey to transform the lives of countless children in Delhi NCR through her social initiative Haan Main. During her five years of volunteer work at a local NGO, Anuva identified low self-esteem as a major challenge in young children which limited them from reaching their full potential.
Anuva decided to take action and pursued a certification as a Therapeutic Art Life Coach and began conducting art therapy sessions with the students at the NGO. Her innovative approach quickly proved effective, as she witnessed firsthand how creative expression helped the students build confidence and foster a positive mindset.
Recognising the potential of her work, Anuva developed an art therapy workbook filled with fun exercises designed to boost self-esteem, encourage self-awareness, promote a positive outlook, and support goal-setting. The workbook, crafted for use under the guidance of teachers or parents, has reached over 2,000 students across more than 10 schools (private, public and NGO). Anuva conducts workshops in each school to demonstrate how to effectively use the workbook, empowering educators and parents to guide children in their journey towards greater confidence and emotional resilience.
Anuva has received an overwhelming response from an increasing number of schools across North India as they reach out to her to share her expertise and implement her art therapy program in their institutions. Her initiative continues to inspire and uplift communities, proving that young minds can drive meaningful change.
Growing the vision... one student at a time
What is self-esteem? And why is it important?
Self-esteem refers to an individual's overall subjective evaluation of their own worth, encompassing feelings of self-respect, self-acceptance, and personal value. It is not a static trait but a dynamic aspect of personality that can fluctuate based on experiences, achievements, and social interactions. Psychologists often break self-esteem into several key components: cognitive (beliefs about one's abilities and qualities), affective (emotional responses to self-perception, such as pride or shame), and behavioral (actions that reflect self-worth, like assertiveness or avoidance). For instance, high self-esteem might manifest as confidence in tackling challenges, while low self-esteem could lead to self-doubt and hesitation. These components interact to form a holistic sense of self, influenced by factors like genetics, environment, and upbringing.
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At its core, self-esteem comprises global and specific dimensions. Global self-esteem is the broad, overarching view of oneself as worthy and competent, independent of particular domains. Specific self-esteem, on the other hand, pertains to evaluations in targeted areas, such as academic self-esteem (confidence in learning abilities), social self-esteem (comfort in relationships), or physical self-esteem (satisfaction with one's appearance). These elements are interconnected; success in one area can bolster overall self-esteem, while failures might erode it if not managed well. Research in developmental psychology highlights that self-esteem develops through a combination of internal self-reflection and external feedback, such as praise from caregivers or peer acceptance, making it vulnerable to both positive and negative influences during formative years.
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Helping children enhance self-esteem at a young age is crucial because it lays the foundation for lifelong mental health, resilience, and well-being. During childhood, the brain is highly plastic, and early experiences shape neural pathways related to self-perception and emotional regulation. Children with healthy self-esteem are more likely to develop strong coping skills, pursue goals with persistence, and form positive relationships, reducing the risk of issues like anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems later in life. For example, fostering self-esteem through encouragement, autonomy in decision-making, and constructive feedback helps kids internalize a sense of competence and belonging, which acts as a buffer against adversity.
Neglecting self-esteem in early years can have long-term consequences, such as increased vulnerability to bullying, academic underachievement, or even risky behaviors in adolescence. By intervening young—through activities like play-based learning, positive reinforcement, and modeling self-compassion—parents, educators, and caregivers can empower children to build a robust self-image. This not only enhances individual potential but also contributes to healthier societies, as individuals with strong self-esteem are more empathetic, productive, and less prone to conflict. Ultimately, prioritizing self-esteem development in childhood is an investment in future emotional intelligence and success.
Adolescence is identified as a period of declining self-esteem
"Self-esteem development across the lifespan"
Robins & Trzesniewski
Factors Impacting Self-Esteem in Children in India
Intense Academic Pressure
Intense academic pressure driven by competitive exams and high parental expectations, often leads children to equate their worth with academic performance, eroding self-esteem when they fall short (Sharma & Mathur, 2023). Fear of failure fosters anxiety and self-doubt, causing children to internalise negative self-perceptions that persist into adolescence. This pressure discourages risk-taking and creativity, further diminishing confidence in their abilities.
Socioeconomic Disparities
Socioeconomic disparities, affecting over 20% of Indian households living in poverty, create unstable environments that undermine children’s sense of security and self-worth (World Bank, 2022). Limited access to quality education, nutrition, or extracurricular opportunities can make children feel inferior to peers, fostering low self-esteem. Social exclusion or stigma tied to economic status further deepens feelings of inadequacy and helplessness.
Cultural Dynamics
Gender biases and rigid societal roles, particularly impact girls, who face scrutiny over appearance and behavior, leading to body image issues and reduced self-esteem (Gupta & Singh, 2021). Collectivist values prioritizing family honor over individual expression can suppress children’s autonomy, limiting their ability to develop a strong sense of self. Traditional expectations often clash with modern influences, creating identity conflicts that further erode confidence.
Up to 25% of adolescents report low self-esteem impacting their daily lives
ZipDo Education Reports, 2025
Testimonials of the Subject Matter Experts
