CHENNAI: Against the backdrop of a recent report that cited 65 student suicides across Indian Institutes of Technology nationwide, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) on Friday reiterated its focus on student wellbeing and campus safety by hosting an institute-wide programme titled ‘Towards a Happy, Safe and Secure Campus’.
The event, held on campus, featured addresses by Student Ombuds G Thilakavathi, IPS (retd), and director V Kamakoti, who underlined the need for trust-based systems, proactive engagement and institutional accountability to ensure a positive and secure student experience.
Addressing students, Thilakavathi said that the goal must be to create a zero suicide batch. “Seek help and believe that challenges can be overcome. Whatever stress or problem you are facing, it can be resolved. The best is yet to come. Nothing is lost,” she added. “You should march forward. Look beyond employment and consider entrepreneurship as a means of contributing to society.”
She also drew attention to recent legal reforms, noting that changes in criminal law had strengthened provisions for crimes against women, including sexual harassment. “Educational institutions,” she pointed out, “are covered under workplace safety laws, which mandate the constitution of Internal Complaints Committees to address grievances in a fair and structured manner.”
Earlier, Kamakoti had outlined the institute’s framework for student support, encompassing grievance redressal mechanisms, counselling and wellness services, campus safety protocols, sensitisation programmes and transparent institutional processes. “Creating a happy, safe and secure campus is a continuous effort that requires collaboration among students, faculty, staff and the administration,” he said. “The presence of an experienced Student Ombuds has further strengthened this approach.”