IIT Madras launched the PREM initiative in an online session for parents on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day. Parents’ Role in Encouraging & Mentoring (PREM) is designed to help build stronger support systems for students amid increasing academic and self-pressures. The launch was part of week-long awareness programs by IIT Madras, which focused on student mental health and well-being.
The online session prioritised the need for parents to adopt methods that are non-judgmental and understanding of their child’s challenges. It stressed creating an environment where students can rely on their families without fear of criticism or ridicule. IIT Madras emphasised the role that parents play in a student’s holistic well-being. The institute is also launching a wellness app which allows students to book confidential counselling services with language options.
.Dr. Yamini Kannapan, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, conducted the session and also released a handbook called SAFE- Building Psychological Safety for High-Achieving Students. It simplifies key psychological aspects with practical and easy-to-understand tips for parents of IIT Madras students. The book is built on the Safe Framework, which includes:
- Safe base
- Autonomy support
- Failure-friendly mindset
- Early recognition
World Suicide Prevention Day
Annually observed on 10th September, World Suicide Prevention Day was first launched in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The aim was to break the stigma and silence that often follows cases of suicide. The recent NEET protests erupted after a dozen students died by suicide following the exam paper leak and cancellation. According to The Hindu, over 1 lakh students committed suicide between 2014 and 2024. Student suicides are increasingly becoming a point of severe concern in India. In 2026, the Supreme Court of India passed fresh guidelines for every institute of higher education. A national task force was also created to research and audit existing frameworks within higher educational institutes in India.
Read More: Suicide Crisis Intervention and Prevention in Not Today
The Academic Pressure
India is a country where a majority of the population is below 30 years of age, and a large chunk is comprised of students and young adults. Heavy and intense academic pressures combined with family criticism are forcing many students to resort to suicide. Students in highly competitive institutes like IIT, IIM and others often push themselves to the mental and physical brink in such high-pressure surroundings. Peer competition, family pressure and self-criticism with low self-esteem cause excessive fatigue and mental stress. Many students have reported experiencing suicidal thoughts with feelings of isolation, low morale and fear of failure.
Family Support and Care
In such intense surroundings, PREM and SAFE address a vital factor: the family. Awareness and empathy can create remarkable changes in students’ response to stress and pressure. Parents are often the first and primary link to a child and their education. Acknowledging the hardships and treating the student in a dignified manner can reduce the scrutiny and self-doubt that often takes shape in competitive academics today. Teaching parents and guardians to embrace sensitivity towards their children lays the foundation for an empathetic future. In India, many families put overwhelming pressure on students who are viewed as the future breadwinners. This not only deters children from being able to live in a stress-free environment but also burdens them to feel like they are not good enough.
Read More: Myths About Suicide and Self-Harm: Understanding the Truth Behind NSSI
Extended Negative Impact
This behaviour translates into low confidence, fear of failure, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, loss of sleep and heavy mental fatigue. These internal challenges often impact external health, causing long-term problems including illness and prolonged depression. It also robs youth of their desire to explore life and limits their experiences. Students are also afraid of voicing their concerns or speaking freely with their families, which can trigger suicidal tendencies or thoughts. A strict and selfish home environment can instigate sensitive students into feeling helpless and of no use to their parents. In others, it can create other negative behaviours like bullying, physical violence, verbal abuse, etc.
Conclusion
This move by IIT Madras prioritises a collaboration between higher educational institutes and parents to ensure safe and healthy academic environments. Sensitisation and awareness can demolish archaic mindsets that believe in overburdening students and depriving them of basic human rights and freedom. SAFE and PREM focus on breaking this chain and creating holistically healthy and academically satisfied students.
References +
- https://www.dw.com/en/india-what-is-behind-the-rise-in-student-suicides/a-73383151
- https://news.careers360.com/iit-madras-launches-prem-initiative-parents-safe-handbook-for-student-support-world-suicide-prevention-day
- https://www.thehindu.com/data/student-suicides-jumped-80-in-ten-years-over-2000-die-by-suicide-every-year-due-to-exam-failures/article71258741.ece
- https://www.timesnownews.com/education/iit-madras-launches-prem-initiative-engages-parents-to-strengthen-student-well-being-article-156131249
- https://skilloutlook.com/education/iit-madras-launches-prem-parents-role-in-encouraging-and-mentoring-to-strengthen-the-students-support-system
- https://www.scobserver.in/journal/supreme-court-confronts-student-suicide-epidemic/
