In a significant move to address student well-being, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has launched dedicated "recharge zones" on campus. This pioneering initiative, which began on Monday, aims to provide a sanctuary for students grappling with the intense pressure of the placement season.
A Response to Rising Pressure and Tragedy
The decision to create these wellness spaces comes against a grim backdrop. The institute has reported five student suicides in the past nine months. An external committee formed to investigate these tragic incidents interacted with students in July. Their findings were alarming: more than 80% of students spoke about the immense pressure they face to secure top internships and jobs.
"The placement process is inherently rigorous," stated IIT Kharagpur Director, Suman Chakraborty. "As we mark our 75th year, we are prioritising institutional support mechanisms. These zones are intended to provide a necessary pause for students, ensuring they rejuvenate themselves and approach opportunities with clarity and balance."
Inside the 24x7 Judgment-Free Sanctuaries
Set up in the Nalanda Complex, the recharge zones are designed as calming, judgment-free spaces where students can unwind and reconnect with themselves. IIT Kharagpur is the first IIT in the country to implement such a facility. Each zone offers a variety of self-guided activities rooted in proven wellness practices.
Creative Expression Corner
This area encourages free emotional expression through art and writing. Students can doodle, colour, or pen reflective letters to their future selves. Officials describe this as a therapeutic exercise to help translate complex emotions visually.
Mindful Relaxation Zone
Here, students can engage in quiet reflection and mindful practices. The zone provides access to de-stressing music and guided meditation sessions via scannable QR codes, facilitating moments of peace amidst the chaos.
Grounding & Movement Zone
Created to reduce physical and emotional tension, this zone is equipped with stress-relief tools like fidget toys and stress balls. It also features low-effort activity tables for puzzles and games like Jenga, and even includes table tennis boards for light physical activity.
Student Relief and Holistic Support Goals
The initiative, spearheaded by the Career Development Centre under Professor Sanjay Kumar Gupta, aligns with the institute's broader mission of holistic student support. For students in the thick of placement interviews, the zones are a welcome respite.
A fourth-year student shared, "The placement process is stressful, and many face breakdowns and panic attacks. Previously, there was no dedicated space where students could sit to calm themselves. These zones, with their cosy seating, plants, motivational posters, and creative materials, offer a desperately needed comforting environment."
The zones are thoughtfully curated with elements like indoor plants and posters featuring self-care quotes to enhance the soothing atmosphere. This proactive step by IIT Kharagpur highlights a growing institutional recognition of the critical link between mental wellness and academic performance, setting a new benchmark for student support in India's premier engineering institutions.
