National Mindsmart Conclave 2026: Inspiring Student Growth

Approximately 300 adolescents from over 55 Delhi-NCR schools participated in National Mindsmart Conclave 2026, a three-part peer leadership programme focused on holistic health, wellbeing and future readiness

The National Mindsmart Conclave 2026, organised by Expressions India National Bal Bhawan in New Delhi, is mentored by the renowned Senior Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Jitendra Nagpal, known for his work on child, adolescent, and community mental healthcare.

The Conclave marks an important step towards strengthening mental health, life skills, and holistic well-being within schools.

“Student wellbeing begins with creating spaces where young people feel heard, understood and supported. The National Mindsmart Conclave 2026 is an important platform because it brings their voices to the centre of the conversation and reminds us that mental wellbeing must be woven into the everyday culture of education, not treated as an afterthought. When we listen with empathy and respond with purpose, we help young people build confidence, resilience and a healthier future,” said Dr Jitendra Nagpal.

At the heart of the conclave was the Adolescent Peer Educators’ Leadership Programme in Life Skills, Holistic Health & Wellbeing. Designed as a series of participatory workshops, the programme equipped young people with the knowledge and confidence to understand themselves, manage emotional and social challenges, and support their peers.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by the Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, as the Chief Guest, and Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, Indian Council of Social Science Research, as the Guest of Honour.

At the concluded event, special addresses were delivered by Prof. (Dr.) H. K. Chopra, a nationally recognised cardiologist, Prof. (Dr.) Kalpana Srivastava, Director, Psychology, Amity University, and Kamal Gill Executive Editor Today’s Traveller and Managing Director Gill India Group.

The programme began on 7 May 2026 with a session on Understanding Self and Growing Up. The second workshop, held on 24 July 2026, explored Emotions, Identity and Social Connections. The concluding session on 27 August 2026 focused on Future Readiness and Life Skills Leadership.

Approximately 300 adolescents from over 55 schools across Delhi-NCR participated in the initiative, reflecting the growing emphasis schools are placing on life skills education and adolescent capacity building.

Addressing the gathering, Kamal Gill said, “The National Mindsmart Conclave 2026, organised by Expressions India, marks an important step towards strengthening mental health, life skills and holistic wellbeing within schools.”

Aligned with the evolving priorities of the National Education Policy, the programme recognised the importance of complementing academic learning with psychosocial competencies and interpersonal skills. These abilities help young people make informed decisions, develop healthy relationships and navigate personal and social challenges more effectively.

National and international experts guided the students through subjects such as gender sensitisation, adolescent health and development, emotional regulation, stress management, substance abuse prevention, family bonding and communication, responsible citizenship, and first aid and CPR training.

The workshops encouraged students to discuss practical solutions and examine how their learning could be taken back to their respective schools with the support and supervision of teachers and counsellors. The peer-led format placed adolescents at the centre of the conversation, enabling them to emerge as aware, responsible and empowered young leaders.

The conclave recognised schools, educators and young peer leaders who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to creating healthier, more empathetic and supportive school communities.

Speaking about the award recipients, Kamal Gill said, “It is a privilege to recognise the schools, educators and young peer leaders who are helping make mental health and wellbeing an integral part of education. I congratulate every award recipient for their commitment, empathy and leadership. May your work inspire many more schools and students across the country.”

Her address also drew attention to the connection between tourism, nature and wellbeing, particularly for children and young adults.

Spending time in forests, mountains, coastal landscapes and rural environments offers a restorative break from demanding routines, while activities such as walking, wildlife observation and yoga encourage physical activity, emotional balance and a deeper appreciation of the natural world.

“Tourism helps people feel happier and healthier by bringing them closer to nature. Spending time in natural surroundings offers a refreshing break from busy routines and helps travellers relax and appreciate the world around them,” Kamal Gill said.

She also highlighted the importance of responsible tourism in protecting the environment and supporting local communities.

Eco-friendly accommodation, conservation initiatives and low-impact travel practices contribute to the preservation of wildlife, natural resources and cultural heritage while creating livelihoods.

Through its participatory workshops, expert-led discussions and recognition of school leadership, the National Mindsmart Conclave 2026 reinforced the importance of making mental health and wellbeing an integral part of education.

It also demonstrated how trained peer educators, supported by teachers and counsellors, could become meaningful agents of positive change within their schools and communities.

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