New Delhi, April 29: In a groundbreaking celebration of holistic education, the Mental Health Foundation of India, through Project MATE and in collaboration with the Unsung India Foundation, organized the first-ever MATE Excellence Award for Young Changemakers at the JLN Auditorium, AIIMS, New Delhi. This landmark event honored students from Classes 6 to 12 for their remarkable achievements across a broad spectrum of areas that extend well beyond academics.
Shri Rahul Singh, Chairman of the CBSE, graced the event as Chief Guest, accompanied by esteemed figures such as AIIMS Director Dr. M. Srinivas, Dean Dr. Kaushal Verma, and Prof. Nand Kumar from ICMR CARE, among others. The awards recognized excellence in diverse categories like Social, Cultural, Creative, Communicative, and Artificial Intelligence, as well as Environmental Awareness — reflecting the ethos of 21st-century education.
Each honoree was selected through a rigorous two-stage process requiring verified contributions supported by multiple referrals. Project MATE, initiated in 2020 by AIIMS Delhi, and the Unsung India Foundation, with its focus on alternative, nature-connected learning, together championed the cause of emotionally resilient and socially conscious education.
The ceremony featured powerful speeches from thought leaders and changemakers, vibrant student performances, and a show-stopping finale by Ladakh’s LUYANGS band. Supported by sponsors like GLA University and Innovative View, the event set a bold new precedent for recognizing young changemakers and redefining educational success in India.
