IIT-B Makes Mental Health Workshops Compulsory for Freshers
In a significant initiative aimed at enhancing mental health support on campus, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has made wellbeing workshops mandatory for all first-year undergraduate students. This decision reflects the growing recognition of the importance of mental health in educational institutions.
Overview of the Initiative
Between August and October 2025, IIT Bombay conducted 120 Pass/No Pass (PNP) sessions to ensure full participation among the new students. The workshops are designed to address the increasing need for mental health support and overall wellbeing among students. Professor Shireesh Kedare, the director of IIT-B, expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, “The student response has been encouraging.”
Upcoming National Wellbeing Conclave
The announcement comes ahead of the ‘2nd National Wellbeing Conclave 2025’, which is set to commence soon. The conclave will be inaugurated by Union Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi and will feature participation from 140 faculty members and 130 students representing 80 higher education institutions, including 20 IITs, six IIITs, and eight IIMs. The two-day event will include:
- Two symposia
- Three panel discussions
- Student workshops
- Faculty sessions
The aim is to accelerate wellbeing-driven institutional reforms across educational institutions in India.
The Flourishing Hub
Professor Deepak Marla, vice-chairperson of the Student Wellness Centre (SWC), highlighted the launch of IIT-B’s “Flourishing Hub” in March 2025. This initiative integrates structured wellbeing education into the first-year curriculum for the first time. The wellness course has already reached 1,397 first-year students through 122 workshops, while 895 senior students have been trained as mentors.
“Third- and fourth-year undergraduates act as mentors. We train them to handle student concerns, and we also train faculty. One faculty mentor is assigned to every 14 students,” Marla explained. This mentorship program is crucial as it fosters a supportive environment for new students adjusting to the rigors of college life.
Community Wellbeing Activities
In addition to the curriculum-linked modules, the Flourishing Hub organizes various community wellbeing activities, including:
- Wellness Wednesdays
- Flourishing Fridays
- Yoga and meditation sessions
- An immersive Flourishing Retreat
These activities are designed to promote mental health awareness and encourage students to engage in practices that enhance their emotional balance.
Scientific Approach to Wellbeing
The Flourishing Hub employs scientific tools to map brain activity and demonstrate how mindfulness, meditation, and thought-regulation techniques can positively influence emotional well-being. Professor Marla noted that the initiative has already engaged over 2,400 students in under six months, showcasing its effectiveness in fostering a culture of mental health awareness.
Addressing Academic Concerns
To address potential concerns regarding academic workload, Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, the dean of Student Affairs, clarified that the workshops are integrated into the existing eight-hour schedule for sports, cultural, and extracurricular activities. “These sessions do not add any extra burden on students,” he assured.
Innovative Teaching Methods
IIT-B has also implemented new teaching and learning methods to ease the transition for first-year students. The institute has shifted from traditional teaching styles to more modern, flexible formats. Currently, around 60 courses are being offered under this new pedagogy, utilizing portable and reconfigurable classroom furniture. Professor Kedare mentioned plans to expand this initiative after reviewing its outcomes.
Conclusion
IIT Bombay’s initiative to make mental health workshops compulsory for freshers marks a progressive step towards prioritizing student wellbeing in higher education. By integrating mental health support into the academic framework and fostering a community of care, the institute is setting a precedent for other educational institutions to follow.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on a report published on November 22, 2025.
