MINDSMART 2025: Shaping tomorrow’s leaders today

Activities like MINDSMART are important as they equip students with essential life skills, emotional resilience, and leadership qualities, fostering holistic development and preparing them for real-world challenges beyond academics.  

The first session of MINDSMART 2025-The Life Skills & Wellbeing Leadership Course for senior school educators and students was held at the National Science Centre, New Delhi. Organised by Expressions India, this impactful workshop series focuses on fostering life skills, emotional well-being, and leadership qualities among students.

Apeejay School, Noida, proudly participated in this transformative initiative by nominating four senior students, accompanied by the school counsellor, to represent the institution. The students had the opportunity to engage in a rich learning experience that aimed to shape them into resilient, empathetic, and socially responsible individuals.

The event commenced with an inspiring address by the Guest of Honour, Mr Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, and Chairman of the University Grants Commission. Mr Joshi emphasised the importance of integrating life skills into the educational framework to prepare students for real-world challenges. He highlighted the role of holistic education in shaping future-ready citizens.

Following this, renowned mental health advocate Dr Jitender Nagpal delivered the keynote address. He passionately spoke about the growing need to nurture students beyond academics through life skills such as resilience, empathy, decision-making, and emotional regulation — crucial competencies in today’s rapidly evolving world.

The workshop focused on key themes:

• Transitioning from core life skills to 21st-century competencies
  
• Building resilience for coping and personal growth
  
• Understanding holistic health — physical, mental, and emotional
  
• The significance of nutrition and hygiene in student life

Participants engaged in collaborative group activities designed to promote social interaction, communication, and critical thinking. Through interactive methods like role-plays, hands-on exercises, group discussions, and reflective tasks, students developed a better understanding of themselves and their peers. This dynamic approach encouraged teamwork, built confidence, and instilled a strong sense of leadership and responsibility.

The workshop left a lasting impact on the participants from Apeejay School, who returned with renewed enthusiasm and insight. Their reflections revealed a deeper awareness of emotional wellness and the importance of supportive peer networks. The students appreciated the platform for its practical learning approach and its focus on holistic development.

MINDSMART 2025 proved to be a significant step toward nurturing compassionate leaders of tomorrow, committed to wellness, empathy, and positive social change.