At IIT-Bombay event, US Surgeon General underscores importance of mental health at educational campuses

In addition to making available mental health support on campuses, Dr. Murthy said, “We can also start to change the culture on campuses when it comes to pressure that so many young students are facing, whether about their performance in class, or the job they are going to secure after. We want young people to dream big and succeed but not at the expense of their mental health.” He also insisted on “re-engineering” the ways of using social media which causes competition among users.

In a program titled ‘Mind matters for well-being’ held at IIT Bombay’s campus on Thursday Dr. Murthy also engaged in a conversation with Ira Khan, daughter of actor Amir Khan who is also Founder and CEO of Agatsu Foundation which provides mental health services.

Dr. Murthy appreciated that there is a broad awareness in IIT Bombay’s leadership about mental health and acknowledged the investment and efforts by the institute toward this.

Director of IIT Bombay, Prof. Shireesh Kedare said, “We want campus to become a happy place. Today’s event underscores the gravity of the topic which is particularly important in a so-called high pressure environment of IIT Bombay.” He also shared various initiatives taken by the institute for effective mental health support on campus.