Modern amenities are available in the Zen Lounge, which features dedicated spaces for yoga, meditation, and reflection.
Zen Lounge, a yoga and meditation hall situated in the SNIG Girls Hostel on the IIT Kharagpur campus, has been inaugurated. IIT Kharagpur stated that the Zen Lounge is committed to “fostering mindfulness, well-being, and mental wellness for the students,” and represents a significant advancement in the promotion of holistic education.
The lounge is set-up with the generous support of IIT alumna Viji Narayanan where she 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 their 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 Alumni Mentorship Programme is included in the Women in Leadership initiative launched by Partha Ghosh and Asoke Deysarkar from the IIT KGP Alumni Foundation USA. With just a few hours each week, alumni can use this virtual lounge to provide guidance and support to all students, giving back to their alma mater.
At IIT Kharagpur, students’ personal development goes hand in hand with the academic rigor. This philosophy is embodied by the Zen Lounge. During the inauguration, Viji Narayanan expressed hope that it would provide all who enter a peaceful retreat and an opportunity to nurture both mind and body, balancing the stresses of academic life.
The Zen Lounge features contemporary facilities, with designated spaces for yoga, meditation, and reflection. The design, according to IIT, incorporates calming elements, natural light, and a serene atmosphere.
The space will offer guided meditation sessions, yoga workshops, and wellness talks to assist students in managing the stress of academic life.
Prof. Rintu Banerjee, deputy director at IIT Kharagpur, underscored the increasing significance of mental health within the academic community. “We are thrilled to launch the Zen Lounge as a venue where students can take a break, reflect, and experience tranquility amidst their demanding academic commitments. Ms. Narayanan’s insightful contribution will greatly promote mindfulness and well-being among our students. As the first initiative of its kind among IITs, the Zen Lounge demonstrates our dedication to enhancing mental health and comprehensive wellness for our students. By promoting yoga and meditation practices, we aim to foster a healthier and more balanced student community at IIT Kharagpur.”
The virtual lounge (ZenWellnessLounge.com) provides students with wellness tools via Zoom sessions on yoga, meditation, and other mentorship programs. The vision, while simple, holds great power: It aims to empower you with lifestyle coping skills for thriving and to provide mentorship from the alumni network regarding career guidance, internship assistance, and cultural adjustment at IIT.
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