The summit also saw the launch of the WeLearn app
Pune: Stressful living among young people is becoming a growing concern and schools need stronger systems for early identification, counselling and professional support, Maharashtra Economic Development Council vice-president Sachin Itkar said at the WeLearn India National Education Leadership Summit 2026 in Ravet recently. The event brought together more than 150 school principals, directors and trustees, along with psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors and career experts to discuss challenges related to education, student mental health and overall development. The summit also saw the launch of the WeLearn app, which offers more than 25 counselling and support services for students, individuals, counsellors and schools.
A handbook on career and education counselling and a training manual on social-emotional learning were also released.
Speaking at the summit, organised by WeLearn India and Remembering Me Foundation, Itkar said timely guidance could help address mental health concerns among adolescents. “Stressful living is becoming a matter of serious concern, particularly among young people, and timely counselling and guidance are essential,” Itkar said. He said AI was changing teaching and learning methods and presented both opportunities and challenges for educational institutions. The summit also featured a panel discussion on “Counselling, Career & Mental Health of Gen Z and Gen Alpha — Challenges & Opportunities”, with experts from psychology, healthcare, education and rehabilitation sectors.
A major discussion at the summit focused on the mental health and career concerns of Gen Z and Gen Alpha. The discussion featured Ashwinikumar Bhardwaj, CEO, Desai Foundation; Rajendra Mhaske, Head, Department of Psychology, SPPU; Vyas Maurya, Centre Head, Medicover Hospitals; and Sonali Kale, Muktangan Rehabilitation Center. Psychiatrist Dr Kishor Gujar stressed the importance of preventive approaches to mental health and greater awareness among young people and adults. Prof Dr Girish Desai, executive director of PCET, spoke about changes in the education sector driven by artificial intelligence. The programme was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Pravin Tupe, Founder and Director, Pimpri Chinchwad Science Park; Dnyaneshwar Kalbhor, President, Yaari Group; Ranjana Pawar, Founder & COO, WeLearn India; and WeLearn India Board Members Adv. Sudhir Patil, Bhaskar Margaj and Umesh Dhone. The WeLearn app is designed to help schools and students look beyond academic performance while assessing a learner’s interests, abilities, skills, aspirations and emotional and physical well-being. The summit also included the Women Educational Leaders Awards, honouring women educators for their contribution to the education sector. Among those recognised were Devyani Bhosale, Manimala Puri, Laxmi Kumar, Pritam Kunjir, Namrata Majhail, Shraddha Khamparia and Vidya Ghadge.
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