Bengaluru, 14 November 2024: QS I-GAUGE, India’s premier education rating system, is set to host the prestigious Institution of Happiness Conclave 2024, bringing together renowned educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals to advance the cause of mental health and well-being in educational institutions on Thursday, 14th November 2024, from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore.
Graced by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder of The Art of Living, the IOH conclave will feature a diverse lineup of eminent keynote speakers, including Dr Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS, Dr H R Nagendra, Chancellor, S-VYASA University who will deliver a keynote address on mental health in educational institutions. Seeking to address the growing challenges of mental health in schools and colleges, focusing on actionable strategies to foster a culture of happiness and emotional well-being. IOH conclave will also feature keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and the release of the report on QS I-GAUGE Institution of Happiness Survey 2024, a significant study with insights from over 2 lakh students and faculty across India.
Mr. Ravin Nair, Managing Director, QS I-GAUGE, stated, “The Institution of Happiness Conclave provides an essential platform to not only raise awareness about mental health but also to take concrete steps toward integrating emotional well-being into the core of educational practices. Through engaging discussions and collaborations with industry leaders, we aim to create a lasting impact on the mental health landscape in education.”
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the esteemed spiritual leader and humanitarian, will deliver the keynote address, sharing his insights on well-being and happiness, followed by the Institution of Happiness Awards ceremony. The awards will recognize institutions that have shown exemplary commitment to student and educator well-being.
Dr Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director (AMESA) of QS Quacquarelli Symonds, said “Mental health is the cornerstone of academic success and personal growth. This conclave will serve as a catalyst for change, encouraging educational institutions to prioritise the emotional well-being of their students and educators alike.”
The agenda of the event includes thought-provoking panel discussions on topics such as “Balancing the Risks and Rewards of Social Media for Student Mental Health” and “Redefining Success in a Hypercompetitive Academic Environment.” In addition, there will be workshops focused on Social Emotional Learning, empowering educators to create thriving classrooms. The conclave will also feature the prestigious QS I-GAUGE Institution of Happiness Awards, recognising schools, colleges, and universities that have successfully implemented mental health initiatives.
Moderated by Dr Ashwin Fernandes, Dr G Viswanathan, Founder & Chancellor of VIT, Dr M R Jayaram, Chairman, MS Ramaiah Group & Dr Prashant Bhalla, President, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI) will join a special panel discussion on “Leadership as a Catalyst for Creating Happy, Healthy, and Inspirational Model Institutions.”
Other distinguished speakers include Mr. Abhay Chebbi, Pro-Chancellor of Alliance University. The event will also see contributions from Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor of Chitkara University; Dr G. Balasubramaniam, Former Academic Director of CBSE; Prof. Rajita Kulkarni, President of Sri Sri University; Dr Manimekalai Mohan, Founder of SSVM Schools.
The lineup includes Dr Richa Bansal, National Project Officer at UNESCO MGIEP and Ms. Aishwarya DKS Hegde, Edupreneur & Internet Personality, who will share their insights on fostering mental health and well-being in academic environments.