Dr. Vandana Lulla, Principal, Podar International School, Santacruz West | Moderator

Dr. Vandana Lulla, Principal, Podar International School, Santacruz West, moderated the panel discussion, Are Schools Equipped for Today’s Anxious Generation?, which examined the emotional and social challenges faced by students and the responsibility of schools in responding to their changing needs.

The discussion centred on the growing importance of student well-being, the pressures experienced by children and the role of schools in creating environments where students feel secure, understood and supported. As moderator, Dr. Lulla’s role was to guide the conversation, bring different educational perspectives together and encourage reflection on how schools can respond to the realities of contemporary childhood.

The panel considered how anxiety may be influenced by academic expectations, family pressures, excessive screen stimulation and changes in children’s social experiences. It also explored the importance of recognising that students express distress in different ways. Some may withdraw or become socially isolated, while others may display restlessness or changes in behaviour.

The discussion highlighted the need for educators to look beyond visible behaviour and understand the concerns that may be affecting a child. It also reinforced the importance of collaboration between schools and families, alongside thoughtful approaches to student support.

Dr. Lulla’s role in steering the session placed these issues at the centre of the conversation, encouraging education leaders to reflect on whether their institutions are adequately equipped to understand and support the emotional needs of today’s learners.