Hyderabad: In a pioneering effort to address mental health in higher education, IIT Hyderabad hosted India’s first ‘National Wellbeing Conclave‘ for colleges and universities, supported by the central education ministry, on Saturday. The event saw over 500 participants from 100 centrally-funded institutions gather to discuss wellbeing practices.
The two-day conclave, inaugurated by Education Secretary K Sanjay Murthy, focused on promoting mental health, resilience, and wellbeing among students and faculty in higher education institutions (HEIs). Murthy underscored the significance of the event, stating, “Our goal is to spread effective practices across the country, with today’s sessions and discussions serving as essential foundations for future initiatives.”
Chief economic advisor V Anantha Nageswaran highlighted the need to balance academic pressure with mental wellbeing as a critical measure of success. The conclave featured exhibitions, panel discussions and workshops aimed at fostering healthy campus environments.
IIT Hyderabad director Prof BS Murty noted the importance of such initiatives, stating, “In a fast-paced world filled with constant stimuli, students must understand that failure is a natural part of growth, with each failure offering valuable lessons.”
The event also launched a compendium of ‘Best Practices on Wellbeing,’ and Dr Jitendra Nagpal, senior psychiatrist and program director at Expressions India, emphasized the need for “wellness-centered campuses” through a hub-and-spoke model.
The conclave aligns with recommendations from the 2023-24 Economic Survey for mental health programs in educational institutions, promoting peer support networks, self-help groups, and community initiatives to reduce mental health stigma.
The two-day conclave, inaugurated by Education Secretary K Sanjay Murthy, focused on promoting mental health, resilience, and wellbeing among students and faculty in higher education institutions (HEIs). Murthy underscored the significance of the event, stating, “Our goal is to spread effective practices across the country, with today’s sessions and discussions serving as essential foundations for future initiatives.”
Chief economic advisor V Anantha Nageswaran highlighted the need to balance academic pressure with mental wellbeing as a critical measure of success. The conclave featured exhibitions, panel discussions and workshops aimed at fostering healthy campus environments.
IIT Hyderabad director Prof BS Murty noted the importance of such initiatives, stating, “In a fast-paced world filled with constant stimuli, students must understand that failure is a natural part of growth, with each failure offering valuable lessons.”
The event also launched a compendium of ‘Best Practices on Wellbeing,’ and Dr Jitendra Nagpal, senior psychiatrist and program director at Expressions India, emphasized the need for “wellness-centered campuses” through a hub-and-spoke model.
The conclave aligns with recommendations from the 2023-24 Economic Survey for mental health programs in educational institutions, promoting peer support networks, self-help groups, and community initiatives to reduce mental health stigma.
