In a remarkable addition to its student welfare and campus facilities, Zen Lounge, a yoga and meditation hall located within the SNIG Girls Hostel at IIT Kharagpur was inaugurated recently. 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 at IIT Kharagpur.
With the generous support of Ms. Viji Narayanan, a distinguished alumna of IIT Kharagpur, who resided in the same girls’ hostel during her undergraduate years from (1986-1991), her vision is to create a space for mindfulness which stems from her own transformative experiences at the institute and her understanding of the importance of mental well-being in academic and personal growth. This Alumni Mentorship Programme is a part of Women in Leadership initiated by Shri Partha Ghosh and Shri Asoke Deysarkar from IIT KGP Alumni Foundation USA. This virtual lounge is a small step towards creating 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 Ms. Viji Narayanan during her address at the inauguration.
The Zen Lounge is a beautifully designed space equipped with modern amenities, including dedicated areas for yoga, meditation, and reflection. The design incorporates calming elements, natural light, and a tranquil ambiance, providing students with a serene environment where they can unwind, meditate, and engage in mindfulness practices. The space will host a variety of activities, from guided meditation sessions to yoga workshops and wellness talks, aimed at enhancing the mental health of the students and helping them cope with the stresses of academic life.
Prof. Rintu Banerjee, Deputy Director, IIT Kharagpur, emphasized 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 inauguration event was attended by Deans, faculty members, students, and esteemed alumni, including Ms. Narayanan, who shared her experiences and insights on the significance of maintaining a balance between academic pressures and personal well-being. The event also included a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a tour of the Zen Lounge.
As IIT Kharagpur continues to nurture innovation and excellence, the Zen Lounge serves as a testament to the institution’s commitment to develop inclusivity among individuals, both in intellect and compassion.
About Zen Lounge:
Zen Lounge aims to integrate the best of both worlds including the Western lifestyle medicine with natural Vedic principles for preventative health care, supporting mental health holistically. It provides you with a haven, a space to reconnect with yourself, de-stress and empower your mind and body through Yoga and Meditation. It creates a transformative culture of holistic wellness to empower people to not just survive but thrive in all aspects of this world. The Virtual Lounge (ZenWellnessLounge.com) 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. This isn’t about treating illness—it’s about sustaining wellness. [https://irepute.co.in/zenlounge/demo/index.html#]
Media Coverage:
Times of India (Print) The Statesman
Sukhabar Dainik Jagran
| Times of India (Digital) | Times Now | Indian Express |
| India Today | The Hindu | NDTV |
| Ei Samay | The Bengal Post | Kolkata Hindi News |
| Education Times | Edex Live |
Inputs from: Ms. Viji Narayanan, Distinguished Alumna, IIT Kharagpur
Email: viji.narayanan12@gmail.com
Edited By : Poulami Mondal, Digital & Creative Media Executive (Creative Writer)
Email: poulami.mondal@iitkgp.ac.in, media@iitkgp.ac.in, Ph. No.: +91-3222-282007
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