IIT Kharagpur took a big step, mobile counselor landed on campus to save students from stress:

News India Live, Digital Desk: One of the most prestigious engineering institutions in the country, IIT Kharagpur, has now become more serious than ever about the mental health of its students. In recent times, after increasing stress and tragic events among students, the institute has taken a very important and unique initiative. Now 10 ‘mobile counselors’ have been deployed in the huge campus of IIT Kharagpur, who will reach the students themselves and listen to their mental problems and support them.

What is the initiative of ‘Mobile Counselor’ and why it was needed?

IIT campus is often known for heavy studies and fierce competition. In such a situation, many students fall prey to loneliness, stress, anxiety and depression. It is sad that many times these students hesitate to ask for help from someone, which results sometimes very frightening.

Some unfortunate incidents in IIT Kharagpur forced the institute to think again on its mental health system. The result of this is this new initiative. ‘Mobile Counselor’ means that now students will not have to wait for the counselor to go to the office. These counselors themselves will be present in the campus, around the hostel, in places like library and canteen.

How will these counselor work?

• Will reach the students themselves: These counselors will not just sit in their office and wait, but will visit the campus and meet the students and talk.
• The scope of hesitation will be broken: Often students are not able to ask for help thinking ‘what people will say’. When the counselors themselves meet them like a friend, they may be able to share their problems easily.
• Work like 24/7 helpline: This team will provide immediate help to the students. If a student feels the need to talk even at midnight, then he will get help.
• Workshop and Seminar: These counselors will not only organize personal problems, but will also organize workshops to spread awareness about stress management and mental health.

This step shows that big institutions like IIT Kharagpur are now understanding how important it is to stay mentally healthy with academic excellence. It is expected that with this initiative many young lives will get the right support on time and they will be able to fulfill their dreams without any mental burden.