Jaipur, 10 October 2026: SHARP NGO organised the third National School Health Conference 2026, themed “The Kaavad of Health & Wellbeing”, at the Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur, on 9 October. Building on Poshan Panchayat 2022 and School Swasthya Panchayat 2024, the conference brought together over 75 speakers and panelists, including representatives from International organisations, foundations, CSR teams and corporate organisations, alongside government representatives, educators and health professionals. Around 700 delegates participated, with discussions focused on practical approaches to healthier schools and communities.

The event was inaugurated by Ms. A. Dhanalakshmi, Joint Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, and Ms. Rukmani Riar, Commissioner, Tourism, Government of Rajasthan.

Dr. Puran Prakash Sharma, Founder, SHARP NGO, and author of Don’t Think About Failures: The Theory of XON, delivered the keynote address. Mr. Naveen Jain, Principal Secretary, General Administration Department, Government of Rajasthan, shared his personal experiences and emphasised the importance of engaging students in school-based awareness campaigns on child safety. Ms. Menaka Sharma, Director, SHARP NGO, represented the organising institution.

Ten thematic panels across two auditoriums explored mental health awareness, early identification and access to support; nutrition; adolescent life skills and menstrual health; safe schools; substance-use prevention; family participation; digital health and responsible AI; environmental health; and inclusive design. Discussions examined how schools, families and public health systems can work together to strengthen children’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

A key highlight was SHARP’s Kaavad Mental Health Project, which uses Rajasthan’s traditional storytelling art to encourage conversations about emotional wellbeing and reduce stigma. The project demonstrated how culturally rooted approaches can make mental health conversations more accessible to children and communities.

Abstract presentations and the School Health Awards complemented the thematic discussions. Students from various schools presented choir performances, while college students performed Kathak, music and a fashion show centred on mental health. The fashion show featured students of ARCH College of Design & Business, Jaipur. These performances used art, music and creative expression to highlight emotional wellbeing, alongside a live musical performance by PMag.

Marking World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2026, Dr. Puran Prakash Sharma launched SHARP’s School Counsellors App and portal “schoolmentalhealth.in” as part of the conference’s second-day programme. The app aims to support school counsellors in strengthening student mental health and wellbeing. 

About SHARP NGO

Established in 1999, SHARP NGO (School Health Annual Report Programme) works across India on school and community health, nutrition, mental wellbeing, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), adolescent development and preventive healthcare, in partnership with schools, government institutions and CSR organisations.

Conference: https://www.schoolhealthsummit.in
SHARP NGO: https://www.schoolindia.org
Media enquiries: communications@sharpngo.org.in | +91 11 46023588 

Bhumika Sharma, Convener-8130643324