New Delhi, Mar 13

IIT-Guwahati is implementing a series of innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing the mental wellbeing of its students and preventing suicides. These initiatives include ice-breaking sessions for newcomers during their first week on campus, morning walks with faculty members, mandatory counseling sessions, comprehensive medical check-ups, and stress escape room workshops.

These proactive measures were introduced following significant protests at the institute last semester, which were triggered by a series of student suicides. In response, IIT-Guwahati has developed a robust plan to address mental health concerns among its student body.

Director Devendra Jalihal emphasized the establishment of a dedicated mental health and counseling framework, known as the Center for Holistic Wellbeing. This center includes the SAATHI Counselling Club, which consists of student volunteers who assist their peers in achieving mental and overall wellbeing, supported by professional counselors.

To further enhance student support, the institute is considering the involvement of retired army personnel as hostel special stewards. These stewards will engage with students regularly, fostering a comfortable environment and sharing observations with counselors, all while maintaining confidentiality and respecting students’ privacy.

Additionally, nutritionists are being recruited to provide dietary guidance aimed at alleviating anxiety and stress among students. In light of recent student suicides, various IITs are adopting diverse strategies to tackle mental health issues.

Perumal Alagarsamy, the dean of student affairs at IIT-Guwahati, is leading the charge on these mental wellbeing initiatives. He noted that during the first week of classes for freshers, an acclimatization program will replace regular classes to help students feel more at home. Morning walks with faculty members are also planned to foster rapport before academic activities begin.

The Peer Mentorship Programme is another key component, pairing new students with peer mentors who will offer guidance, answer questions, and assist with various challenges, serving as a beacon of support for those feeling overwhelmed.

Upon arrival, freshers will participate in ice-breaking sessions designed to create a welcoming atmosphere and facilitate connections among students. These sessions will also raise awareness about mental health resources available through the Counselling Cell and the Center for Holistic Wellbeing.

Conducted within each hostel, these ice-breaking activities will help students expand their social networks through engaging games and interactions. To assist students in managing the pressures of semester examinations, the SAATHI Counselling Club recently organized a stress escape room workshop focused on stress management and exploring career options.

IIT-Guwahati employs four full-time counselors and has partnered with Your Dost, a start-up incubated at the institute, to provide 24/7 access to counseling services. Mandatory interactions with counselors will be scheduled for all students to identify early signs of distress and ensure comprehensive health checks.

Alagarsamy explained that the counseling schedule will be designed to avoid conflicts with academic commitments, allowing students to familiarize themselves with counseling services and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues. This initiative underscores the importance of mental health support as a normal and acceptable aspect of student life.