IIT Kharagpur’s ‘Campus Mothers’ Initiative Aims to Support Students’ Emotional Well-Being

In an effort to foster a more supportive campus environment, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur is developing a novel programme called Campus Mothers, designed to provide students with emotional guidance through informal mentorship. The initiative will train women on campus faculty members and staff spouses to offer a listening ear and nurturing presence to students grappling with stress and loneliness.  

The programme seeks to create a sense of familial comfort for students living away from home by encouraging casual, trust-building interactions over meals or tea. Unlike formal counselling, Campus Mothers will serve as everyday emotional anchors, helping students open up in relaxed settings. Institute officials emphasize that the initiative is not a substitute for professional mental health services but rather a supplementary layer of care aimed at reducing isolation and fostering community.  

Alongside this effort, IIT Kharagpur has established a Student Welcome Committee to enhance student engagement across departments and hostels. The committee is also exploring digital solutions, including artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools, to allow students to anonymously report stress and seek early-stage support. These technological measures will work in tandem with offline activities such as sports, theatre, and group discussions to encourage peer bonding and emotional resilience.  

While some may question the necessity of such informal support systems, the move reflects a growing recognition of mental health challenges in high-pressure academic environments. If implemented effectively, Campus Mothers could set a precedent for other institutions seeking to balance academic rigor with compassionate student care without relying solely on bureaucratic or clinical interventions.