IIT Madras launches initiative to involve parents in student support system

On World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday, IIT Madras launched several initiatives to ensure wellness of students on campus, which includes involving parents in providing a well-rounded support system to students.On Wednesday, the institution organised an interactive online session titled PREM (Parents’ Role in Encouraging and Mentoring), where Yamini Kannappan, senior consultant psychiatrist, Behavioural Science, Kauvery Hospital, offered parents a practice guidance to understand the students’ needs, communicate effectively, and support their emotional and mental well-being through their academic journey, a press release stated.On the occasion, a book authored by Dr. Yamini titled SAFE – Building Psychological Safety for High-Achieving Students, was released, which translates psychological principles into practical guidance for parents navigating the pressures faced by high-achieving young people.The institute launched a MiTR Wellness website providing students with access to faculty coordinators across departments, hostel-wise student coordinators, emergency and useful contacts, information on MiTR initiatives and past events, student experiences, and alumni information.A Wellness App for appointment booking was also launched that enables students to conveniently book confidential counselling sessions with wellness professionals based on their choice of language through the website of the Dean of Students. Published - September 11, 2026 06:45 pm IST