INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCE RESEARCH
IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY

Education is not merely a process of transferring knowledge from teacher to learner; it is a transformative experience that shapes the cognitive, emotional, social, and psychological dimensions of a child's personality. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act), which came into force on 1 April 2010, marked a historic milestone in India's educational journey by making elementary education a fundamental right for all children aged 6 to 14 years. This paper examines the provisions of the RTE Act, its implementation frameworks, and critically analyses its psychological implications for child development.

Drawing upon the classical philosophy of Aristotle - who defined education as the creation of a sound mind in a sound body - and integrating contemporary psychological frameworks, this paper argues that physical well-being (supported by initiatives such as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme) is inseparable from mental well-being in achieving educational objectives. Furthermore, the paper explores how mental health challenges can undermine educational outcomes, and underscores the relevance of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) in acknowledging psychological well-being as a cornerstone of a holistic education system.