For many students, college marks the first experience of living away from home, the need to cope with intense studies, establish friendships and personal relationships, and make decisions about the future—often all happening simultaneously. However, when such pressure becomes excessive, knowing where to seek help is crucial.
This issue became particularly acute at IIT Bombay after the suicide of second-year BTech student Sahil Vakode on September 18. He was found dead in his hostel room several hours after the incident during an intermediate exam. The circumstances of his death are currently under investigation.
This case sparked protests on campus, during which students put forward 18 demands concerning accountability, student well-being, and mental health support. These included a demand for at least one counselor for every 250 students, one counselor in each hostel, and regular independent audits of the Student Well-being Center. Students also called for 24/7 psychiatric care and increased awareness among faculty and staff regarding mental health issues.
These demands brought to the forefront an important question: what does accessible mental health support in a university campus truly look like? Across India, educational institutions approach this problem differently. Some engage trained peers, others create informal spaces for communication, and a third group combines counseling with preventative wellness programs.
The Model at IIT Madras
At IIT Madras, students do not need to start their search for support in a formal counseling room. The MITR program offers peer support through trained students and faculty, providing an additional person to turn to during stress or personal difficulties. This program operates parallel to professional counseling services and the broader student well-being system at IIT Madras. Furthermore, the institute has counselors assigned to hostels and departments, and 24/7 telecounseling support is available. This approach recognizes a practical need: sometimes the first step toward getting help is simply having an accessible confidant.
The Approach at IIT Kanpur
At IIT Kanpur, an initiative called Samvad, implemented by the Centre for Mental Health and Well-being, aims to foster a more open dialogue about mental health. Through interactive sessions, lectures, and panel discussions, the program allows students to discuss emotional states and daily challenges outside the setting of formal counseling. For instance, the 'From Lost to Found' program encourages members of the campus community to share personal stories of struggle, resilience, and growth. Alongside these community-building efforts, the IIT Kanpur mental health center provides professional counseling and other forms of support. The goal is to make mental health a topic of conversation before a student reaches a crisis point.
Informal Approach at Bharati College
At Bharati College, located in Delhi, the Feelings Ka Adda initiative uses an even more informal method. This program creates a space where students can talk about what concerns them and be heard by their peers. Rather than trying to immediately solve a problem, the emphasis is on giving students the opportunity for self-expression and feeling heard. This works alongside the college's official counseling services, rather than replacing them. This distinction is important: peer support can serve as a friendly first contact, while students needing professional help can be directed to the counseling center. For a student hesitant to enter a counseling center, an informal conversation with someone from their campus community can sometimes feel like a more accessible first step.
Integrated System at CHRIST University
At CHRIST University, the Counseling and Medical Services Center combines professional counseling with a structured peer support system. Students have access to counselors assigned to schools and departments, as well as individual and group sessions, such as Listening Circles. The university also runs a Peer Education Program, where students are trained in areas such as active listening, empathy, emotional intelligence, and stress management. This creates multiple levels of support. Students can seek professional help directly, while trained peers also help normalize conversations about mental health in classrooms and campus communities.
The MAHE Bengaluru Approach
At MAHE Bengaluru, the Manam program integrates mental health into the broader concept of student well-being. Launched in January 2025, this program combines professional counseling and peer support with interactive sessions on emotional well-being. Students can participate in mindfulness, emotional regulation, and mind-body connection sessions. The program also provides digital resources for self-support through its online platform. Participation in the program is voluntary and non-graded, allowing students to engage without it becoming another academic obligation.
Conclusions on Support Models
There is no single way to ensure accessible mental health support on a campus. A counselor in the hostel facilitates access to professional help. A trained peer makes the initial conversation less intimidating. A community program helps students realize that stress, loneliness, or anxiety are not experiences they must go through in isolation. These initiatives also do not replace the need for adequately staffed professional services, emergency care, or strong institutional systems. Instead, they demonstrate how different levels of support can coexist. Perhaps most beneficial for students is knowing that there are several doors to knock on, and that seeking help can be a normal part of campus life, rather than something to wait for until a crisis occurs.