The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has collaborated with The Art of Living (TAOL) Foundation to introduce a well-being program aimed at enhancing students' mental resilience, stress management, and personal growth. The initiative seeks to assist students in managing academic and personal challenges more effectively. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing the partnership was signed by Prof. Pratik Sen, Dean of Students Affairs at IIT Kanpur, and Mr. Rajesh Jagasia, Director of The Art of Living Foundation. The signing took place in the presence of Dr. Mahesh Gupta from the Board of Governors, IIT Kanpur; Prof. Tajdarul Hassan Syed, Associate Dean of Students Affairs; Ms. Sweta Kumar, Project Executive Officer at IIT Kanpur; along with representatives from The Art of Living, including Mr. Rajeev Padmanabhan Nambiar, Mr. Karn Garg, Mr. Archit Saxena, and Mr. Deep Garg. Through this collaboration, TAOL is set to conduct specialized sessions at IIT Kanpur that incorporate meditation, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices. These sessions are designed to improve students' focus, emotional stability, and overall mental well-being. The program will include interactive activities and guided meditation sessions led by experienced facilitators. The first phase is scheduled to begin in the last week of March for interested students, with plans for continued engagement to ensure long-term benefits. While discussing the partnership, Prof. Pratik Sen, Dean of Students Affairs at IIT Kanpur, emphasized the institution’s belief in balancing academic excellence with mental and emotional well-being. He noted that the collaboration with TAOL is intended to provide students with practical tools to manage stress effectively and improve their overall quality of life. Mr. Rajesh Jagasia, Director of The Art of Living Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm about working with IIT Kanpur, stating that TAOL’s programs have had a transformative impact on individuals from various backgrounds. He looked forward to extending these benefits to the students of IIT Kanpur. By integrating structured mental wellness programs into campus life, IIT Kanpur continues its efforts to support student well-being. Recognizing the critical role of mental health in academic and professional success, the institute aims to provide students with sustainable coping strategies that will help them thrive in all aspects of life.
