PUNE: “Stressful living is becoming a matter of serious concern, particularly among young people, and timely counselling and guidance are essential,” said Sachin Itkar, Vice President, Maharashtra Economic Development Council, while addressing the inaugural WeLearn India National Education Leadership Summit 2026, jointly organised by WeLearn India and the Remembering Me Foundation in Ravet, Pune.The Summit received an overwhelming response from the education fraternity, with 150+ School Principals, Directors and Trustees. The event brought together education leaders, psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, career experts and other stakeholders to deliberate on emerging challenges in education, student mental health and holistic development.The Summit also marked the launch of the WeLearn App, a comprehensive platform offering 25+ counselling and support services for students, individuals, counsellors and schools. The event also witnessed the unveiling of the WeLearn Handbook on Career and Education Counselling and the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Training Manual, providing resources for educators, counsellors and other professionals working with students.Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Sachin Itkar expressed concern over the increasing mental health challenges faced by adolescents. He highlighted the need for early identification, professional support and stronger counselling systems in educational institutions.Prof. Dr. Girish Desai, Executive Director, PCET, spoke about the rapidly changing education landscape and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on teaching and learning methodologies. He highlighted both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI and appreciated WeLearn India for recognising women education leaders who are contributing to the future of education.Dr. Kishor Gujar, Psychiatrist, delivered a session focusing on youth mental-health awareness and the importance of preventive approaches towards mental-health challenges among adults.A major highlight of the summit was the expert panel discussion on “Counselling, Career & Mental Health of Gen Z and Gen Alpha—Challenges & Opportunities.” The discussion featured Prof. Ashwinikumar Bhardwaj, CEO, Desai Foundation; Prof. Rajendra Mhaske, Head, Department of Psychology, SPPU; Dr. Vyas Maurya, Centre Head, Medicover Hospitals; and Sonali Kale, Muktangan Rehabilitation Center. The panel addressed academic pressure, changing career pathways, emotional and social challenges among young people and the growing need for professional counselling and mental health support in schools.Women Educational Leaders HonouredA special highlight of the Summit was the Women Educational Leaders Awards, presented to outstanding women educators in recognition of their contribution to the education sector.The award recipients included Devyani Bhosale, Director, SNBP Group of Institutes & Schools; Dr. Manimala Puri, Group Director, ASM Group of Institutions; Prof. Laxmi Kumar, Director, Avasara Academy; Pritam Kunjir, Trustee, Pune Cambridge Institutes; Dr. Namrata Majhail, Orchids International School; Dr. Shraddha Khamparia, CEO, Pimpri Chinchwad Science Park; and Vidya Ghadge, Modern English School.Advisory Board Members Dr. Swati Deshmukh, Dr. Subham Jankar, Dr. Khushali Ojha, Dr. Rekha Kumar, Dr. Maju Punia, and Dr. Sheetal Solanki were also felicitated for their association and contribution. The programme was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Pravin Tupe, Founder/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.Through the WeLearn App and its wider ecosystem, WeLearn India aims to create an education-support system in which students are understood not merely through academic performance, but through a 360-degree perspective covering their academic journey, mental and physical well-being, interests, abilities, skills, aspirations, and overall development.