Schools must become the First Line of mental health support, Say experts at National Conclave
Jointly organized by SGTU, Expression India and Moolchand Hospital.
Gurugram, 10 July. Calling for a paradigm shift in the way schools address students’ emotional and psychological wellbeing, educationists, mental health professionals and policymakers gathered at the School Mental Health Conclave 2026 organised by Shree Govind Singh Tricentenary University (SGT), Gurugram in Collaboration with Expression India, Moolchand Hospital at the India Habitat Centre to deliberate on strengthening mental health systems within educational institutions.
The theme of the event was “Perception to Performance: Schools as Catalysts of Change,”the day-long conclave brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Education, school leaders, psychologists, academicians and counsellors to discuss practical strategies for integrating mental health into mainstream school education.
The inaugural session was attended by Smt. Rina Sonowal Kouli, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Education, who served as the Chief Guest, while Shri Devendra Kumar Sharma, Director, Ministry of Education, attended as the Guest of Honour. Addressing the gathering, Prof. J.B. Rao, Pro-Chancellor, SGT University, highlighted the growing need for educational institutions to move beyond academics and create supportive ecosystems that nurture the emotional wellbeing of every learner.
The conclave featured two panel discussions focusing on translating policy into classroom practice and strengthening school ecosystems for early identification and timely intervention in mental health concerns among children and adolescents. Eminent educationists and experts from NCERT, Delhi University, PGIMER Chandigarh and leading schools across the country shared best practices, innovative interventions and collaborative approaches to creating psychologically safe learning environments.
Recognising excellence in educational leadership, the conclave also honoured outstanding school heads through the Principals’ Leadership Awards. The awards were presented in the presence of distinguished guests, including Dr. H.K. Chopra, President, Cardiological Society of India; Prof. Vinod K. Shanwal, In-charge, Manodarpan Cell, NCERT; and Dr. Manoranjini, Head and Director, Amrita Vidyalayam.
A case-based workshop on “Behavioural Emergencies in Schools: Socio-Legal Perspectives” drew participation from experts including Dr. Vibha Sharma (IHBAS), Prof. Ritu Sharma (IGNOU), Dr. Kiran Dangwal (University of Lucknow), and Ms. Nishtha Grover (National Forensic Sciences University), who discussed multidisciplinary approaches to managing behavioural crises, legal responsibilities and institutional preparedness.
The conclave concluded with the School Counsellors’ Awards and Wellbeing Champion Awards, recognising individuals and institutions for their contribution to promoting mental health in schools. The valedictory session was graced by Hon’ble Justice B. Anand, Central Administrative Tribunal, and Dr. Rajinder K. Dhamija, Director, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), who underscored the need for sustained collaboration
among educators, mental health professionals and policymakers to ensure that every school becomes a safe and nurturing space for children.
