IIT Kharagpur Strengthens Student Mental Health Support with 10 New Counsellors
In response to multiple student suicides this year, IIT Kharagpur has taken proactive measures to strengthen mental health support on campus. The prestigious institute has appointed ten additional counsellors to identify and assist students under stress, creating a more compassionate and supportive environment for its academic community.
Addressing a Growing Concern
The move comes after the tragic death of a 27-year-old PhD researcher, Harshkumar Pandey, who was found hanging in his hostel room at BR Ambedkar Hall on September 20, marking the fifth suspected suicide at IIT Kharagpur in 2025. Pandey, a resident of Ranchi, was pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, and his untimely death has raised concerns about the mental well-being of students on campus.
Director Suman Chakraborty explained that while no one can fully understand a student’s inner struggles, depression, or stress can often be detected if students reach out to professional counselors. “We have appointed ten more counselors who will meet students collectively or individually to assess their mental health,” he said.
Expanding the Counselling Initiative
These ten additional counsellors will join the existing mental health support system to engage with students and researchers actively. Their approach is designed to be friendly and approachable, integrating into students’ daily campus life, from classrooms and hostels to sports clubs and other social spaces.
Chakraborty highlighted that some students may be reticent to share their stress or mental health concerns openly. The presence of mobile counsellors, who can mingle with students in informal settings, aims to bridge this gap and encourage early detection of stress or depression.
“This proactive approach ensures that we know whether a student is under stress and allows us to take appropriate measures to help the individual concerned,” Chakraborty added.
Innovative Measures for Student Support
Over the years, IIT Kharagpur has implemented several measures to build a supportive and safe environment for its students. The ‘Setu’ mobile application, introduced by Chakraborty as Dean of Students’ Well-Being, provides instant access to counselling resources for students experiencing stress.
Additionally, the institute has installed a barcode system on hostel doors. Students can scan the code to access the 24/7 counselling helpline immediately, ensuring help is always available. Such technological interventions make mental health support more accessible and immediate, catering to students who may hesitate to seek in-person help.
Board of Hope and Well-Being Initiatives
In conjunction with these new counsellors, IIT Kharagpur has strengthened its institutional frameworks to prevent mental health crises. The ‘Board of Hope’ initiative and the Dean of Students’ Well-Being office are emotional and psychological support pillars.
“Through these initiatives, we aim to reaffirm that no one in our community is ever alone in their struggles,” Chakraborty said, highlighting the institute’s commitment to fostering a culture of compassion, empathy, and proactive support.
Understanding the Causes of Stress
The director noted that overthinking and anxiety have become prevalent among today’s youth, especially concerning exams, research expectations, and career prospects. IIT Kharagpur’s approach recognizes that mental health challenges are multifaceted, and support systems must be flexible, accessible, and empathetic.
By deploying mobile counsellors who interact with students in informal, peer-like settings, the institute seeks to reduce the stigma around mental health and make it easier for students to share their concerns. These counsellors will observe students’ behaviours, detect signs of stress early, and provide timely interventions to prevent escalation.
Fact-Finding Team Investigations
Alongside these initiatives, a fact-finding team has been constituted to investigate the causes behind the recent cases of unnatural deaths on campus. This team is scheduled to meet regularly to review findings, identify patterns, and recommend measures to strengthen student safety and well-being.
Chakraborty emphasized that this is part of a comprehensive approach to mental health, combining reactive support (counselling and helplines) with proactive monitoring and intervention strategies to ensure a safe campus environment.
Building a Compassionate Campus Culture
The induction of ten additional counsellors reflects IIT Kharagpur’s commitment to creating a campus culture where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to seek help. By integrating mental health support into everyday campus life, the institute hopes to normalize conversations around stress, anxiety, and depression, encouraging students to manage their well-being proactively.
“These measures are designed to reach students who might otherwise remain unnoticed,” Chakraborty said. “By embedding support systems in the fabric of campus life, we aim to provide timely assistance and cultivate resilience among our students.”
Technology and Accessibility in Mental Health
The institute’s innovative use of technology, including the Setu app and the barcode-enabled helpline, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to mental health support. These tools ensure that help is always accessible, allowing students to reach out discreetly whenever they feel overwhelmed.
Combining human interaction through mobile counsellors and technology-driven support systems provides a balanced and holistic approach to student mental health. By addressing the aspects of emotional and practical well-being, IIT Kharagpur is setting a benchmark for mental health care in academic institutions.
Commitment to Student Well-Being
The institute’s proactive response to multiple student deaths highlights the importance of early intervention, accessible support, and continuous monitoring. IIT Kharagpur’s model demonstrates that academic excellence and student welfare are intertwined and require careful attention and sustained resources.
By focusing on holistic support systems, the institute aims to reduce mental health risks, prevent tragic incidents, and ensure every student feels heard, supported, and equipped to navigate academic and personal challenges.
Conclusion
The appointment of ten new counsellors at IIT Kharagpur and ongoing initiatives like the Setu app, Board of Hope, and the Dean of Students’ Well-Being reflect a comprehensive and compassionate strategy to support student mental health.
Combined with proactive engagement and innovative technology, these measures aim to create an ecosystem where students feel safe, understood, and empowered to seek help. IIT Kharagpur is setting an example for other institutions, demonstrating that student mental health is integral to academic success and campus life.
By addressing mental health challenges head-on, the institute is taking concrete steps to ensure a safer, more supportive, mentally resilient student community.
