IIT Kharagpur Takes Holistic Approach to Ease Student Mental Stress

IIT Kharagpur Takes Holistic Approach to Ease Student Mental Stress

Kharagpur, May 7, 2025 – In response to growing concerns about mental health and academic stress among students, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has unveiled a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at supporting student well-being. As one of India’s most prestigious engineering institutions, IIT Kharagpur is taking a proactive stance to create a more compassionate and mentally supportive campus environment.

The Zen Lounge: A Space for Calm and Mindfulness

One of the standout initiatives is the inauguration of the Zen Lounge, a dedicated yoga and meditation space inside the SNIG Girls Hostel. This tranquil zone offers students a safe space to unwind, practice mindfulness, and participate in activities like guided meditation and yoga workshops.

Funded by alumna Viji Narayanan, the Zen Lounge is part of the institute’s push to incorporate mental wellness into daily student life. The space is open to all students and regularly hosts wellness sessions led by trained professionals.

“We need more places where students can just pause, breathe, and find balance amid the pressure,” said Dr. Anjali Verma, a counselor at the institute.

Strengthening Mental Health Infrastructure

The Counseling Centre at IIT Kharagpur continues to serve as the backbone of the mental health ecosystem on campus. With full-time clinical psychologists and a visiting psychiatrist, the center provides:

• One-on-one therapy sessions

• Group discussions on topics like time management and handling academic pressure

• 24/7 emergency mental health support

The Counseling Centre also hosts regular mental health awareness drives and workshops, helping to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.

Peer Support and Early Intervention

Recognizing that peers are often the first to notice signs of distress, IIT Kharagpur has introduced a peer support system. Wing representatives and hostel mentors are trained to identify signs of mental strain and provide emotional first aid or direct students to professional counselors.

This model of “student helping student” ensures that help is more accessible and less intimidating, especially for those hesitant to approach formal support channels.

Nature-Based Healing: ‘Life Under Canopy’

In a unique move, the institute has also launched "Life Under Canopy," a nature-connectivity program designed to relieve stress and encourage mindfulness through interaction with the natural campus environment.

Students are encouraged to explore and identify special trees and quiet zones around campus as part of structured mindfulness and grounding activities. The goal is to instill resilience and emotional balance using nature as therapy.

A Cultural Shift in Campus Well-being

These initiatives are part of a broader shift toward prioritizing mental health within the academic structure of IITs. By investing in both infrastructure and community-based solutions, IIT Kharagpur is acknowledging that academic excellence must be matched with emotional and psychological well-being.

“We’re not just creating engineers, we’re shaping future leaders who must know how to care for themselves and others,” said Prof. R. Subramanian, Dean of Students Affairs.

Conclusion

In a high-pressure academic environment where student suicides and burnout are growing national concerns, IIT Kharagpur’s multi-pronged approach could serve as a model for other institutions. From mindfulness lounges to peer mentoring and mental health education, the institute is committed to building a healthier, more humane learning atmosphere.