- The Zen Lounge is equipped with modern amenities, including dedicated areas for yoga, meditation, and reflection.
IIT Kharagpur has inaugurated Zen Lounge, a yoga and meditation hall located within the SNIG Girls Hostel in the campus. The Zen Lounge is dedicated to “foster mindfulness, well-being, and mental wellness for the students,” and marks an important milestone in promoting holistic education, said IIT Kharagpur.
The lounge is set-up with the generous support of IIT alumna Viji Narayanan who resided in the same girls’ hostel during her undergraduate years from (1986-1991).
This Alumni Mentorship Programme is a part of Women in Leadership initiated by Partha Ghosh and Asoke Deysarkar from IIT KGP Alumni Foundation USA. This virtual lounge is a platform for alumni to give back to its alma mater with just a couple of hours a week to guide and support all the students.
“IIT Kharagpur is a place where academic rigor is complemented by the personal growth of its students. The Zen Lounge is a reflection of this philosophy. I hope it will offer all who walk through its doors a peaceful retreat and a chance to nurture both mind and body, balancing the pressures of academic life,” said Viji Narayanan during the inauguration.
The Zen Lounge has modern amenities, including dedicated areas for yoga, meditation, and reflection. The design, as per IIT, includes calming elements, natural light, and a tranquil ambiance.
The space will host guided meditation sessions to yoga workshops and wellness talks that will help students cope with the academic life stress.
Prof Rintu Banerjee, deputy director, IIT Kharagpur, emphasised the growing importance of mental health in the academic community. “We are delighted to introduce the Zen Lounge as a space where students can pause, reflect, and find moments of calm in the midst of their rigorous academic schedule. Ms Narayanan’s thoughtful contribution will go a long way in encouraging the importance of mindfulness and well-being among our students. The first-of-its-kind initiative among IITs, the Zen Lounge reflects our commitment to fostering mental health and holistic wellness among students. By encouraging the practice of yoga and meditation, we aim to contribute to a healthier and more balanced student community at IIT Kharagpur.”
The virtual lounge (ZenWellnessLounge) offers wellness tools to the students through zoom sessions on yoga, meditation and other mentorship program. The vision is simple but powerful: Empowering you with lifestyle coping skills to thrive and also get mentorship from the alumni network on all aspects of career guidance, internship, culture adjustment in IIT.
