A Capacity Building Programme on "Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being Among Students" was organized at Sri Guru Gobind Singh Collegiate Public School, Sector 26, Chandigarh on 26 June 2026 under the aegis of the CBSE Centre of Excellence. The programme aimed to strengthen teachers' understanding of mental health and empower them with practical strategies to foster the emotional well-being of students. The resource person for the session was the renowned educationist Dr. Seema Biji, Principal, CBSE Resource Person, and Master Trainer for the UNESCO-NCERT School Health & Wellness Programme.

More than 40 teachers enthusiastically participated in the highly interactive workshop. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Biji emphasized that "Mental health is not the absence of illness, but the presence of wellness." She encouraged educators to become the first responders in identifying students facing emotional and behavioural challenges and highlighted the importance of creating safe, inclusive, and supportive classrooms where every child feels heard, respected, and valued.

The session covered a wide range of topics related to adolescent mental health, including understanding stress, anxiety, emotional regulation, resilience, and the early identification of behavioural red flags. Dr. Biji introduced several practical classroom strategies such as Mindfulness Minutes, Gratitude Journals, Circle Time, Positive Affirmations, and Reflective Discussions, demonstrating how these simple yet effective practices can improve students' emotional well-being, classroom relationships, and overall learning outcomes.

Drawing upon her vast national and international experience, including her role as the Chief Product Officer of the mental health application "UnlearnMe" in Canada, Dr. Biji shared inspiring real-life case studies that highlighted the importance of empathy, active listening, and timely intervention in supporting children's mental health. She also reminded teachers to prioritize their own emotional well-being, stating, "You can't pour from an empty cup." Her message encouraged educators to maintain a healthy work-life balance so they could effectively nurture and guide their students.

Teachers actively participated in engaging activities such as "Fill the Spaces in the Heart", designed to reinforce empathy, gratitude, kindness, compassion, and core human values. The workshop also introduced participants to the 11 themes of the UNESCO-NCERT School Health & Wellness Framework and explored practical ways of integrating these themes into classroom practices, school culture, co-curricular activities, and daily interactions with students to build emotionally resilient school communities.

The Principal appreciated Dr. Seema Biji's inspiring philosophy of "Yeh Dil Maange More" and expressed heartfelt gratitude for her insightful and engaging session. It was observed that the programme equipped teachers with practical tools, renewed confidence, and innovative strategies to create happier, healthier, and emotionally secure classrooms where every learner can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The workshop concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session followed by a formal vote of thanks, leaving all participants inspired and committed to promoting mental health and holistic well-being among students.