Friends for Friends: Building a Peer-Led Mental Wellness Ecosystem on Campus ❤️

Report on Today’s Think Tank Session 

By the Think Tank Team [Ms. Lekhaa & Rakshaya]

29th July 2026 | Writer’s Nook, MMIP

The Weekly Think Tank Session of the College was conducted on 29 July 2026 with the objective of discussing key student development initiatives. The event was coordinated by the Event Managers - Ms. Aarthi and Ms. Vishnupriya and was attended by Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean IP, Dr. Tabitha Durai, Dean of Research and Development (R&D), Ms. Benita, Head of the Placement Cell, Academic Deans, faculty members, Members of the College Union Society (CUS), and students.

The agenda of the session invited the College Union Society (CUS) to deliberate on three action plans: (1) Campaign and Community Movement for Student Mental Wellness in association with Student Counselling Services; (2) Enhancing 10% Core Placements in every department through Department Representatives and Class Representatives in association with the Placement Cell; and (3) Popularising purpose-driven Part IV, Part V, and value-added NPTEL courses aligned with career planning in collaboration with Academic Coordinators and the Department of Extension Programme (DEP).

However, owing to time constraints, the session focused primarily on the first item on the agenda, namely, “Campaign for Student Mental Wellness,” and the discussion centred on suggestions and action plans to strengthen mental wellness support for students on campus.

The session commenced with an introduction by Dr. Samuel Rufus, who welcomed the participants and outlined the purpose of the Think Tank session.

The discussion was led by Dr. Tabitha Durai, Dean of Research and Development (R&D), who invited students to share their perspectives on their needs and the measures the institution could adopt to further strengthen student mental wellness. She also highlighted the role of the Research and Development (R&D) Cell and expressed its interest in collaborating with the College Union Society. Students requested an overview of the initiatives already in place before offering further suggestions.

The discussion brought attention to the fact that the institution already has two student counsellors, although many students were unaware of their identities and the support services available. Participants discussed the establishment of a Student Mental Wellness Forum involving experts and raised points regarding certification and the age gap between students and counsellors.

A key proposal discussed was the “Friends for Friends” initiative. It was suggested that selected students be trained as peer ambassadors rather than being referred to as student counsellors. The proposed training would include Psychological First Aid, enabling peer volunteers to provide initial support and connect students with professional counsellors whenever necessary.

The session also highlighted the availability of NPTEL SWAYAM Psychology courses and emphasized strengthening the existing mental wellness framework. Participants discussed the importance of balancing academic competitiveness with personal well-being and suggested promoting activities such as nature walks and spiritual well-being.

Further discussions on the “Friends for Friends” initiative proposed the use of confidential and anonymous online forms and social media platforms to facilitate peer support throughout the academic year. Suggestions also included collaboration with various student units, careful selection of peer volunteers, and promoting group-based support systems.

Participants proposed the formation of a Mental Wellness Club to conduct programmes on conflict resolution, burnout, health and fitness, stress management, and promoting joy on campus.

The discussion concluded with recommendations on ensuring the sustainability of mental wellness initiatives by addressing counsellors’ workload, building trust and rapport between students and counsellors, involving pro bono counsellors where possible, reducing the stigma associated with seeking help, ensuring confidentiality, providing structured training for selected peer volunteers, and creating awareness about the stages of counselling. The importance of encouraging students to seek support without fear of judgement was also emphasized.

The session ended with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Ms. Swarna Rekha, who expressed her sincere gratitude to Dr. Paul Wilson, Principal and Secretary, the speakers, faculty members, academic deans, members of the College Union Society (CUS), and all the participants for their valuable contributions. The Think Tank session came to a close with valuable suggestions and recommendations for strengthening student mental wellness initiatives within the institution.