IIT Madras pledges zero suicide batch, enhances student wellbeing and campus safety

IIT Madras has outlined a series of initiatives focused on student wellbeing, safety, and inclusivity, highlighting the institute’s commitment to creating a supportive campus environment.

The announcements were made during an institute-wide event titled ‘Towards a Happy, Safe and Secure Campus’ on Jan 23.

The event featured addresses by G Thilakavathi, IPS (Retd), Student Ombuds, IIT Madras, and Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, who emphasized institutional responsibility, trust-based systems, and proactive engagement to enhance the student experience.

Speaking to students, Thilakavathi reinforced the Director’s message on suicide prevention: “As the Director said, it should be a ‘zero suicide batch.'” She encouraged students to look beyond immediate stress and challenges.

“Whatever stress that you are going through, whatever problem you are facing, all that can be solved. The best is yet to come, and nothing is lost. You should march forward,” she said.

Thilakavathi also addressed legal protections, particularly around sexual harassment and women’s safety. She noted that criminal law reforms now clearly define unwelcome advances as punishable acts tried in Sessions Courts.

She explained provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, which applies to educational institutions and mandates Internal Complaints Committees with women-led representation.

Prof Kamakoti outlined IIT Madras’s multi-dimensional approach to student well-being. “Our efforts span multiple dimensions, including student grievance redressal mechanisms, counselling and wellness services, safety and security protocols, sensitization programs, and robust institutional frameworks that encourage transparency, empathy, and accountability,” he said.

He added that building a happy, safe, and secure campus is an ongoing process requiring collaboration among students, faculty, staff, and administration.

Prof Kamakoti acknowledged the role of the Student Ombuds, noting that under her guidance, the campus is steadily becoming more supportive and secure.

The event reaffirmed IIT Madras’s commitment to fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and personally while feeling safe, heard, and supported. The program was streamed live and is available online for viewing.