(With the inputs from PTI)
In response to growing concerns over student mental health, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has implemented a series of proactive initiatives to enhance wellbeing and prevent suicides on campus. These measures follow student protests last semester, sparked by consecutive suicide cases.
The institute has established a Centre for Holistic Wellbeing, supported by the SAATHI Counselling Club, where trained student volunteers assist their peers alongside professional counsellors. Ice-breaking sessions, morning walks with faculty, and peer mentorship programmes are part of an acclimatisation week designed to help freshers settle in before academic activities commence.
Additionally, IIT-Guwahati plans to enlist retired army personnel as hostel stewards to foster a supportive environment, while maintaining student privacy. Nutritional guidance is also being incorporated to address stress-related dietary concerns.
To help students manage academic pressure, the SAATHI Counselling Club recently organised a stress escape room workshop, focusing on stress management, career choices, and entrepreneurship. The institute currently employs four full-time counsellors and has partnered with mental health start-up YourDost to ensure round-the-clock access to professional support.
All students will undergo mandatory counselling interactions and comprehensive health check-ups, strategically scheduled to avoid academic disruptions. These interactions aim to familiarise students with available support services, reducing the stigma around seeking mental health assistance.
By integrating structured mental health initiatives with academic life, IIT-Guwahati is setting a precedent for fostering a more supportive and resilient student community.
