DEVELOPING MINDFULNESS IN DEPRIVED ADOLESCENTS OF BALAGHAT

Mindfulness is key in developing environmental awareness and sustainable living, especially among vulnerable populations. This research examined the degree of mindfulness for environmental conservation among deprived youths in Balaghat to determine their current awareness, influencing factors, and recommend developmental strategies. Utilizing a Quasi-Experimental design, this research study integrated observational studies and survey questionnaires. Surveys gauged the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of adolescents in relation to environmental conservation, whereas observations on how they engage with the environment and whether or not there was an environmental education program. From the results, although adolescents are found to have a moderate degree of awareness, major gaps and hindrances are evident. Of the main impediments, a lack of specifically tailored mindfulness programs and poor availability of learning material rank among them. This research highlights the need for specific interventions and community-led initiatives to promote environmental awareness among this population. These findings are highly applicable to policymakers, organizations, and stakeholders interested in furthering environmental knowledge and sustainable behaviors in disadvantaged populations. KEY WORDS: Mindfulness, Environmental Awareness, Deprived Adolescents, Sustainable Practices, Educational Interventions, Community Engagement