In response to student suicides and recent campus protests, IIT-Guwahati has introduced a comprehensive mental health and well-being program aimed at fostering a supportive environment for students.
The initiative includes ice-breaking sessions for freshers, morning walks with faculty, mandatory counselling, peer mentorship, stress relief workshops, and comprehensive medical check-ups. The measures are part of the institute’s Center for Holistic Wellbeing, which provides dedicated mental health support through professional counsellors and student volunteers from the SAATHI Counselling Club.
IIT-Guwahati Director Devendra Jalihal revealed that the institute is exploring the idea of appointing retired army personnel as hostel stewards to interact with students and discreetly share observations with counsellors. Additionally, nutritionists are being hired to help students manage stress through diet.
Dean of Student Affairs Perumal Alagarsamy explained that freshers will undergo a week-long acclimatization program, including morning walks with faculty to encourage student-teacher bonding. Peer mentors will also be assigned to new students to assist with academic and personal challenges.
To help students manage academic stress, the SAATHI Counselling Club recently conducted a stress escape room workshop and will continue offering similar initiatives. Additionally, IIT-Guwahati has partnered with Your Dost, a mental health start-up, to provide 24/7 counselling services.
Mandatory counselling sessions and health check-ups will be scheduled for all students to identify early signs of distress.
“These interactions will help students feel comfortable seeking help while reducing the stigma around mental health,” Alagarsamy said.
The initiative is part of a broader effort across IITs to address growing concerns about student mental health and create a more supportive academic environment.
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