Soft Launch of Mental Health Workshop by LEAP India in Association with Mission Green and C4Cynergy
by Prashant Kapadia/NHN
On Saturday, 21st February 2026, a significant milestone in the journey toward emotional wellbeing in education was marked at The Westin Mumbai Garden City, the LEAP Headquarters in Mumbai. LEAP India, in association with Mission Green and C4Cynergy, conducted the soft launch of its Mental Health Workshop, bringing together nearly 50 distinguished educators and industry experts from renowned institutions across Mumbai. Representatives from CBSE, ICSE, IB, State Board schools, Mumbai Public Schools, universities, pharmacy colleges, colleges of education, and degree colleges gathered with a shared purpose, to prioritize mental health within the academic ecosystem.
In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive world, mental health has become one of the most urgent and relevant conversations of our time. Students are navigating academic pressures, social expectations, digital influence, and personal challenges that often go unnoticed. Emotional stress, anxiety, and burnout are increasingly common among school and college students. The workshop highlighted that institutions must move beyond academics and actively create safe spaces where students feel heard, supported, and understood. Awareness at the school and college level is not just necessary it is foundational to building resilient and confident future generations.
The initiative is envisioned as a city-wide movement beginning in Mumbai and gradually expanding across Maharashtra and eventually to different states across the country. The goal is to normalize conversations around mental health, equip educators with practical tools for early identification of emotional distress, and establish structured support systems within educational institutions. This soft launch marks the first step in what promises to be a sustained and meaningful mission.
Mr. Sonu Matthew, Founder of LEAP India, addressed the gathering with humility and heartfelt conviction. Known for his grounded and genuine personality, Mr. Matthew spoke about the responsibility educators carry in shaping not only minds but lives. He shared, “Mental health is not a luxury; it is a necessity. A child who feels emotionally safe learns better, grows stronger, and dreams bigger.” His words resonated deeply with the audience, reflecting his vision of building an educational culture rooted in empathy, awareness, and human connection.
Mr. Subhajit Mukherjee, Founder of Mission Green, emphasized that true progress in society begins with the wellbeing of its people. He remarked, “We speak of development and growth, but without mentally healthy individuals, no society can truly flourish.” He stressed that schools and colleges are powerful platforms for transformation and that structured mental health programs can create long-term, sustainable impact across communities.
Adding clinical insight and practical wisdom, Dr. Ushavati Shetty, Founder of C4Cynergy, spoke about the importance of early intervention and emotional literacy. She highlighted that many signs of distress go unnoticed simply because there is a lack of awareness and training. “Mental health awareness is about listening without judgement and responding with compassion,” she stated. Her address reinforced the importance of equipping educators with both knowledge and sensitivity to support students effectively.
Mr. Amrut Jadhav also spoke passionately about breaking stigma and encouraging open dialogue. He emphasized that silence often prevents students from seeking help and that institutional support can change that narrative. “When educators openly talk about mental health, they give students the courage to speak up,” he shared, reinforcing the transformative power of awareness.
The workshop received powerful endorsements from several principal directors of esteemed institutions across the city, whose feedback added immense weight to the initiative. One respected school principal remarked, “We often focus on academic results, but we sometimes forget that behind every report card is a child carrying emotional experiences. This workshop reminds us that mental health must be at the heart of education.” A director of a leading college added, “Students are not the only ones under pressure. Teachers are navigating stress, parents are anxious about performance, and the entire ecosystem feels the strain. A structured mental health program supports not just students, but teachers and families as well.” Another senior education leader shared, “If we strengthen the emotional wellbeing of our teachers, they become better mentors. If we guide parents with awareness, homes become safer spaces. This initiative addresses all three pillars students, educators, and parents and that is what makes it truly impactful.” Their words reflected a collective realization that mental health is a shared responsibility and that sustainable change begins with institutional leadership.
The atmosphere throughout the event was one of unity, sincerity, and collective responsibility. The collaboration between LEAP India, Mission Green, and C4Cynergy demonstrated the strength of partnerships driven by purpose. The soft launch was not merely an event; it was the beginning of a movement aimed at ensuring that no student feels alone in their struggles and that educators and parents are equally empowered in supporting them.
As the initiative moves forward, the vision remains clear to reach every school and college in Mumbai, extend the program across Maharashtra, and eventually take this mission to different states of India. With committed leadership, compassionate intent, and the support of the educational community, this movement stands poised to create meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of countless young individuals.