img

In a significant step towards enhancing student wellness, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has collaborated with The Art of Living (TAOL) Foundation to introduce a well-being program designed to help students manage stress, improve mental resilience, and foster personal growth.

This initiative will provide students with practical tools to navigate both academic and personal challenges more effectively, reinforcing IIT Kanpur’s commitment to holistic student development.

Official Agreement and Key Participants

The agreement was formally signed between:

  • Prof. Pratik Sen, Dean of Student Affairs, IIT Kanpur
  • Rajesh Jagasia, Director of The Art of Living Foundation

The event was attended by Dr. Mahesh Gupta (Board of Governors, IIT Kanpur), Prof. Tajdarul Hassan Syed (Associate Dean of Student Affairs), Sweta Kumar (Project Executive Officer, IIT Kanpur), and representatives from The Art of Living, including Mr. Rajeev Padmanabhan Nambiar, Karn Garg, Archit Saxena, and Deep Garg.

What the Program Offers

As part of this initiative, The Art of Living Foundation will conduct special sessions at IIT Kanpur, where students will learn:

Meditation and mindfulness techniques for emotional balance
Breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve focus
Interactive activities to enhance self-awareness and mental well-being

These sessions will be led by experienced instructors and structured to create long-term positive impacts on student well-being.

Program Timeline

  • Phase 1 starts in the last week of March 2025
  • Plans are in place to extend the initiative for long-term benefits

Voices from IIT Kanpur & The Art of Living

Prof. Pratik Sen emphasized that academic success is deeply connected to mental and emotional well-being, and this partnership will equip students with valuable stress management tools to lead a balanced life.

Rajesh Jagasia expressed his excitement about the collaboration, noting that The Art of Living programs have benefited professionals across various fields, and students at IIT Kanpur will now gain from these techniques.

IIT Kanpur’s Commitment to Student Wellness

Understanding that mental health is the foundation of success, IIT Kanpur is taking proactive steps to integrate well-being into campus life. This initiative aligns with the institute’s vision to:

Foster intellectual and emotional development
Offer structured mental wellness programs
Equip students with lasting coping skills for personal and academic growth

By prioritizing student well-being, IIT Kanpur is setting a benchmark for holistic education, ensuring that students thrive both academically and personally.