On World Suicide Prevention Day, IIT Madras unveiled the MiTR Wellness website and app, giving students direct access to faculty coordinators, hostel‑wise student leads, and emergency contacts. A PREM online session and the book “SAFE” equipped parents with practical tools to support high‑achieving students’ mental health.

  • MiTR Wellness website and app launched
  • PREM online session provided parental guidance
  • "SAFE" book offers psychological safety strategies for high‑achievers

World Suicide Prevention Day Sparks New Wellness Drive

On September 11, 2026, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day, IIT Madras announced a suite of initiatives aimed at bolstering student mental health on campus. Central to the effort is the inclusion of parents as active partners in a comprehensive support network.

PREM Session: Parents’ Role in Encouraging and Mentoring

The institute hosted an interactive online session titled PREM, where Dr. Yamini Kannappan, senior consultant psychiatrist at Kauvery Hospital, offered parents practical guidance on understanding student needs, communicating effectively, and nurturing emotional resilience throughout the academic journey.

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Launch of “SAFE” – A Guide for Parents

During the event, Dr. Yamini’s new book SAFE – Building Psychological Safety for High‑Achieving Students was released. The publication translates core psychological principles into actionable advice for parents navigating the intense pressures faced by top‑performing youth.

MiTR Wellness Digital Hub

The newly minted MiTR Wellness website gives students access to faculty coordinators across departments, hostel‑wise student coordinators, emergency and useful contacts, archives of past events, student experiences, and alumni networks. Complementing the site, a dedicated Wellness App enables confidential counselling appointments in the student’s preferred language via the Dean of Students’ portal.

Background: Rising Mental‑Health Concerns in Indian Campuses

Recent studies reveal a sharp rise in mental‑health issues among Indian university students, with stress, competition, and social expectations contributing to alarming rates of anxiety and suicidal ideation. IIT Madras’s decision to formally integrate parents into its wellness framework reflects a proactive response to this growing crisis.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that integrating parents into the campus wellness ecosystem not only bridges communication gaps but also creates a preventive safety net, potentially reducing mental‑health crises among high‑performing engineering students.

"Engaging parents directly creates a sustainable support loop that can dramatically improve student well‑being," said Dr. Yamini Kannappan.
Did You Know?: Only about 15% of college students in India receive professional mental‑health counseling, compared with a global average of over 40%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the MiTR Wellness app free for all students?
A: Yes, the app is freely available to every IIT Madras student and can be accessed through the Dean of Students’ website.

Q2: How can parents connect with the platform?
A: Parents receive a secure link and guide during the PREM session, allowing them to view their child’s academic and emotional support resources.