Kolkata: IIT-Kharagpur has introduced a range of well-being initiatives — from a structured student mentorship programme, where senior students guide first-years through the transition into campus life and receive a monthly honorarium, to support in internship preparation and academic pathways—while also creating non-judgemental listening spaces to strengthen senior-junior interaction and foster a culture of peer support and care.The institute on March 13 and 14 observed its first well-being day through different activities and workshops. The inaugural programme launched the well-being initiatives aimed at strengthening the ecosystem of peer support and mentorship on campus. Director Suman Chakraborty said: “Students and teachers had raised concern over the dip in interaction among students, as well as among seniors and juniors, which often resulted in loneliness. We felt that it was necessary to increase interaction among students and to bridge the gap between seniors and juniors so that youngsters do not merely become ‘competitors’. Instead, they should become peers and support each other,” said a source.Among the initiatives launched, there is a student mentorship programme, where senior students will guide first-year students through the transition into the IIT environment, with mentors receiving a monthly honorarium to encourage sustained engagement. “The institute also introduced a career mentorship programme, where senior students who have successfully secured internships or placements will mentor their juniors in navigating career decisions, academic pathways, and internship preparation,” said an official. He added: “Another important initiative taken is a peer assisted learning, a structured academic support system where senior undergraduate students, MTech students and PhD scholars will conduct additional academic sessions for first-year students outside the regular curriculum, creating opportunities for collaborative learning and academic support.” Complementing these efforts, the institute also launched the peer support volunteer programme, which is aimed at creating safe and non-judgmental listening spaces for students. “Through this network, trained volunteers will help peers navigate challenges and guide them towards appropriate mental health and counselling resources when required,” an official shared. The institute also introduced the Institute Recognition for Students’ Welfare, which honours students who make extraordinary contributions toward supporting fellow students and building a compassionate campus community. Awards were presented during the opening ceremony to three students who demonstrated exceptional commitment toward helping their peers.
