IIT Madras launches PREM initiative to help parents support students’ well-being

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched a new initiative, PREM (Parents’ Role in Encouraging and Mentoring), to strengthen the support system for students as part of its week-long observance of World Suicide Prevention Day. The institute organised an interactive online session for parents of IIT Madras students on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day. The session was conducted by Dr. Yamini Kannapan, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Behavioural Science, Kauvery Hospital.

Parents were provided with practical guidance on understanding students’ needs, communicating effectively and supporting their emotional and mental well-being. The institute said the transition to college is an important phase for students as well as their families, whose support and encouragement are vital to their overall well-being.

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During the event, IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti also launched the ‘SAFE-Building Psychological Safety for High-Achieving Students’ handbook for parents. Authored by Dr. Yamini Kannapan based on her experience of working with IIT Madras students, the handbook translates psychological principles into practical guidance for parents dealing with the pressures faced by high-achieving young people.

The handbook is based on the SAFE framework: Secure Base, Autonomy Support, Failure-Friendly Mindset and Early Recognition. It encourages parents to create an environment where students feel safe and accepted and can discuss struggles and setbacks without fear of judgement.

IIT Madras students taking part in ‘Blind Fold Convo’ mental health conversation, organised to mark World Suicide Prevention Day (Image: Special arrangement)

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Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Kamakoti said, “Happiness is a collective responsibility.” He said the institute was continuously evolving methods to reduce stress among students and that the PREM and SAFE initiatives had been launched for this purpose.

Prof. Sathyanarayana N. Gummadi, Dean (Students), said parents are important partners in ensuring the well-being of students on campus. He added that as part of the institute’s Kushal initiative, IIT Madras regularly reaches out to parents through WhatsApp to keep them connected with their wards and flag concerns to the appropriate authority if a student is unhappy.

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MiTR wellness website, app launched

The institute has also launched the MiTR wellness website during the event. The platform was developed by the MiTR student team with guidance and support from Prof. Sarith P. Sathian, Advisor, MiTR; Prof. Sathyanarayana N. Gummadi, Dean (Students); and Prof. Suresh Kumar Rayala, Associate Dean (Wellness).

The website brings together wellness resources and support information in one student-friendly space. It provides access to faculty coordinators across departments, hostel-wise student coordinators, emergency and useful contacts, information on MiTR initiatives and past events, student experiences, alumni information and messages from current and former advisors.

The MiTR wellness website, which provides wellness resources, being launched by Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, at the campus on 9 Sept 2026 (Image: Special arrangement)

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The institute has also launched a wellness app for appointment booking, allowing students to book confidential counselling sessions with wellness professionals based on their choice and language preference through the Office of the Dean (Students) website.

As part of its World Suicide Prevention Day observance, MiTR is organising a week-long series of events and activities on campus. These include a 5K marathon held on September 6, a talk by Dr. Kandaswamy Paramasivan, former Director General of Police, Government of Tamil Nadu, and other activities.

A lecture titled ‘Win the Mind’s Battle: Mental Resilience Decoded’ by Dr. Sweta Adatia, Neurologist, Cognitive Science Brain Coach and Founder of Limitless Brain Lab, is scheduled for September 10, among other events.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.