Tue Jul 15 02:27:31 UTC 2025: **IIT Kharagpur Unveils Ambitious Mental Health Initiative Following Student Deaths**

**KHARAGPUR, July 15, 2025** – In response to a concerning number of student suicides and unnatural deaths on campus, the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT KGP) is launching a comprehensive mental health framework called “SETU” (Support, Empathy, Transformation, and Upliftment). The initiative was announced by Director Dr. Suman Chakraborty on Monday, ahead of the institute’s 71st convocation.

SETU aims to move beyond traditional counseling by encompassing a five-pronged approach, including an upgraded counseling center with 24/7 online support, AI-driven student welfare apps, campus wellness groups, hostel welfare units, and student engagement projects.

One controversial component of SETU is the “campus mothers” initiative, which seeks to involve elder female residents in providing informal emotional support to students. Dr. Chakraborty clarified that this initiative is intended to supplement, not replace, professional counseling and is designed to balance the gender dynamics in student welfare programs. He emphasized that the volunteers would undergo training to ensure ethical and respectful interactions.

The Director also highlighted the crucial role of hostel peers in identifying and supporting students in distress. Welfare units will be established in each wing of every hall of residence to foster a supportive environment.

The SETU framework, designed by psychological and technology experts, is expected to be fully operational by July 25, coinciding with the arrival of the new student batch. Dr. Chakraborty plans to present the initiative in detail to incoming students and their guardians.

In addition to SETU, IIT KGP is developing a multi-faceted campus security plan to address issues such as physical attacks and substance abuse. The plan, like SETU, will utilize technology for improved data management.

These initiatives come amid growing concerns about student well-being and campus safety in educational institutions across the state.

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