IIT Madras, Delhi University launch initiatives to promote student mental health

IIT Madras and the University of Delhi are stepping up efforts to address student mental health, with both institutions organizing initiatives focused on emotional well-being, resilience and stronger support systems.

IIT Madras has turned its attention to parents, encouraging them to play a more active role in supporting students during their higher education journey.

The institute organized an interactive online session for parents on Sept 9 as part of its week-long observance of World Suicide Prevention Day.

The session, titled ‘PREM – Parents’ Role in Encouraging and Mentoring,' was designed specifically for parents of IIT Madras students. Yamini Kannapan, senior consultant psychiatrist, Behavioural Science, Kauvery Hospital, conducted the session.

The initiative focused on helping parents identify their children's needs and establish more effective communication with them. It also addressed ways for parents to understand and respond to their children's emotional and mental well-being with greater empathy.

The Sept 9 session was held ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on Sept 10.

The day was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to encourage open conversations around suicide prevention and challenge the social practice of silence.

IIT Madras has planned a week-long series of activities around the occasion, with the PREM session forming part of its efforts to strengthen the support available to students through their families.

Meanwhile, the University of Delhi is hosting a one-day national conference on September 10 centered on mental well-being and happiness.

Titled “Science Meets Social Science: Mental Well-Being and Happiness," the conference will examine how different disciplines can contribute to understanding happiness and improving mental health.

The event is being organized by DU's Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council (RIEC) at the Convention Hall of the Vice-Regal Lodge.

Dinabandhu Sahoo, chairperson of the RIEC, is expected to serve as the convenor, while Neena Pandey, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, will be the co-convenor.

The university said the conference comes against the backdrop of increasing concerns around stress, anxiety, academic and professional pressures, depression, suicide and emotional resilience, particularly among young people, students and professionals.

According to the university, the event will seek to position mental well-being as a key element of a healthy and resilient society rather than an issue limited to individuals.

Faculty members, university employees, research scholars and undergraduate and postgraduate students from different departments and colleges are expected to participate. Academicians, researchers, practitioners and experts from other institutions are also likely to attend.

Discussions will examine contemporary challenges linked to mental well-being while exploring ways to strengthen emotional resilience, social connections and both individual and collective happiness.

The conference will cover subjects including the science of happiness and mental well-being, environment and happiness, mindfulness and mental resilience, music therapy, food and happiness, and the role of social relationships and spirituality in well-being.

The sessions will examine how biological, psychological, social, cultural, environmental and relationship-related factors influence happiness and mental health.

DU said the initiative is intended to encourage interdisciplinary research and support informed, inclusive and sustainable approaches to building a healthier and more resilient society.