This IIT is solving the mental health crisis in students with ancient Indian knowledge
As student suicides and stress rise across Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), IIT Mandi is turning to Indian Knowledge Systems, such as yoga, meditation, and classical music. Backed by research, this innovative approach is demonstrating how traditional practices may help improve focus, emotional balance, and mental well-being on campus.
The Growing Mental Health Crisis
In 2024, approximately 14 lakh candidates appeared for the JEE Main, competing for around 17,000 IIT seats. Similarly, for the UPSC Civil Services, 9.9 lakh people applied, with only 1,009 being selected. While IITs are renowned for their academic rigor and high placement packages, they are also grappling with a serious mental health crisis. Over the last five years, around 65 student suicides have been reported across IIT campuses, reflecting a broader issue of stress, anxiety, emotional fatigue, and pressure that many students face.
National Context
The mental health crisis is not confined to IITs. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 13,089 students died by suicide in India in 2022, an increase from 12,526 in 2021. The youth mental health landscape is alarming; UNICEF India reports that 7.3% of young people aged 18 to 29 experience mental health issues. Additionally, a 2022 NCERT survey found that 11% of students reported anxiety, while 14% experienced extreme emotions and mood swings.
Innovative Approaches at IIT Mandi
In response to this crisis, IIT Mandi is adopting a unique approach rooted in ancient Indian traditions. The institute is implementing practices such as yoga, meditation, mantra chanting, and Indian classical music to support student well-being. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for students.
Impact of Indian Knowledge Systems
IIT Mandi has reported one of the lowest numbers of student suicides among IITs, with only one incident in the last five years. This success can be attributed to the institute’s commitment to integrating Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into its academic framework. According to IIT Mandi Director Laxmidhar Behera, the institute’s work on IKS involves revisiting knowledge frameworks that ancient India engaged with, which modern science is only beginning to explore.
Mindfulness Practices
Practices such as yoga and meditation, once central to the Gurukul tradition, are now integral to the IIT Mandi campus. These practices are not merely philosophical concepts but subjects of active academic inquiry. Students have reported that even a one-hour daily session of these practices helps them decompress, regain focus, and manage the mental load of academic life more effectively.
Research on Classical Music and Mental Well-Being
To further investigate the impact of traditional practices, IIT Mandi conducted a focused study on the effects of Indian classical music on mental well-being. This research was a collaborative effort with IIT Kanpur and aimed to examine how Indian classical music influences the brain under controlled conditions.
Study Methodology
The study involved 40 healthy male participants aged between 19 and 29, with an average age of 23. None had formal musical training, and all were screened to rule out hearing, neurological, or medication-related conditions. Each participant was exposed to around nine minutes of Indian classical music during a single session, while their brain activity was recorded using an electroencephalogram (EEG).
To establish a baseline, researchers compared brain activity during music exposure with periods of resting silence. Two ragas, Raga Darbari and Raga Jogiya, were selected for the experiment based on their distinct emotional profiles.
Findings of the Study
The findings indicated measurable changes in brain activity. Raga Darbari was associated with improved focus and a calmer mental state, while Raga Jogiya appeared to support emotional regulation and reflective thinking. Both ragas influenced short-lived but significant neural patterns linked to attention, emotion, and mind-wandering, suggesting a shift towards more stable cognitive states.
The study implies that specific swaras (notes) in Indian classical music may elevate mood and stabilize mental processes. These effects were consistent across repeated trials and follow-up observations with female participants. Previous studies have also indicated the potential benefits of raga-based interventions in conditions such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes, although these approaches should not be viewed as standalone cures.
Conclusion
IIT Mandi’s innovative approach, which combines ancient practices with modern research, underscores the importance of mental health in academic environments. By integrating yoga, meditation, and Indian classical music into the student experience, IIT Mandi is not only addressing the immediate mental health crisis but also fostering a culture of well-being that may serve as a model for other institutions.
Note: The integration of traditional practices into modern education systems highlights the potential for holistic approaches to mental health, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and support in this critical area.
