Latest news with #CampusMothers
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
How IIT Kharagpur's mental health inititative enforces stereotypes
In a commendable acknowledgement of mental health issues affecting its student population — after at least three suicides were reported so far this year — IIT Kharagpur recently announced that it will be introducing programmes that offer support for students in distress. However, the first initiative that was widely publicised, 'Campus Mothers', has rightfully been criticised for its patriarchal underpinning. The institution has since clarified that 'Campus Mothers' is only a part of a five-pronged approach to inculcating greater mental health among students, and is not to be treated as a stand-alone effort. The idea behind 'Campus Mothers' is that trained volunteers who reside on campus, who may be faculty or non-faculty — and who necessarily must be women and mothers — will provide mentorship for students in the form of conversations and shared meals, with initial contact being made via an AI platform. Speaking on the venture, IIT Kharagpur's new director Suman Chakraborty told the press, 'Having gone through motherhood, they understand the unique challenges children face'. This sentiment is patently untrue: women who are mothers are not capable of greater empathy than others; motherhood in itself does not impart any particular virtues; young adults attending college should not be infantilised; and the emotional labour that is being requested from these volunteers is highly gendered and merely replicates the cultural burden placed on women to nurture — as though to do so is our intrinsic gift. Moreover, the request itself is also unethical. Unsurprisingly, there has also been criticism from mental health professionals who question why paid, professional care has been eschewed in this framework. The institution however clarified that the 'Campus Mothers' programme will not replace such care, only supplement it.
NDTV
12-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
What Is 'Campus Mothers' Programme At IIT Kharagpur? Explained
In a unique step towards enhancing student well-being, IIT Kharagpur is planning to roll out a new initiative called Campus Mothers - a community-led support system aimed at helping students cope with emotional stress. Women on Campus as Everyday Emotional Anchors The programme, currently under consideration, seeks to involve women on campus - including faculty members and family members of staff - as everyday emotional anchors for students. These women, referred to as "campus mothers," will be trained to recognise signs of distress and provide informal, empathetic support through casual interactions such as conversations over tea or shared meals. Creating Trust Outside Formal Counselling Spaces The goal is to build trust and offer comfort in everyday settings - outside of formal counselling environments - creating a sense of home and community for students living away from their families. IIT Kharagpur officials clarified that this initiative is not meant to replace professional mental health services, but to complement them by adding a layer of emotional presence and human connection. Student Welcome Committee and Digital Support Tools The institute has formed a Student Welcome Committee to drive student engagement and support across departments and hostels. The committee is also working on introducing AI-based tools that will allow students to anonymously express emotions, report stress, and access early-stage help. These digital efforts will run alongside offline activities such as theatre, sports, and group discussions to foster emotional openness and peer bonding. A Shift Towards Everyday Emotional Support The Campus Mothers programme reflects a major shift in how educational institutions address student mental health - moving from crisis-based interventions to creating consistent, supportive touchpoints in daily campus life.
