IIT Madras Highlights Comprehensive Measures Towards a Happy, Safe and Secure Campus
Chennai |
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) today reaffirmed its strong commitment to student wellbeing, safety, and inclusivity by hosting an institute-wide event titled “Towards a Happy, Safe and Secure Campus.” The event showcased IIT Madras’ sustained efforts to create a campus environment that is academically enriching, emotionally supportive, and socially secure.
The programme featured addresses by Ms. G. Thilakavathi, IPS (Retd.), Student Ombuds, IIT Madras, and Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, who emphasized the importance of institutional responsibility, trust-based systems, and proactive engagement in ensuring a positive and fulfilling student experience.
Addressing students, Ms. G. Thilakavathi urged them to remain hopeful and resilient, calling for the vision of a “zero suicide batch.” She encouraged students to see themselves as future entrepreneurs and job creators, stressing that challenges and stress are temporary and solvable. “The best is yet to come. Nothing is lost. You should march forward,” she said.
Ms. Thilakavathi also highlighted key legal reforms undertaken by the Central Government, noting that the transformation of colonial-era laws such as the Indian Penal Code reflects a more sensitive and progressive approach to justice. She explained how provisions addressing sexual harassment and unwelcome advances have been strengthened and streamlined under the new legal framework, ensuring serious treatment of such offences.
She further elaborated on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, which applies not only to corporate workplaces but also to educational institutions and residential spaces. She underlined the mandatory constitution of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) with women-led representation to ensure safety and dignity in all work and study environments.
Speaking earlier, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, outlined the institute’s multi-dimensional approach to student wellbeing, which includes grievance redressal mechanisms, counselling and wellness services, safety and security protocols, sensitisation programmes, and transparent institutional frameworks.
“Our efforts reflect a holistic approach to nurturing student wellbeing at every stage of campus life. Creating a happy, safe, and secure campus is a continuous and collaborative process involving students, faculty, staff, and administration,” Prof. Kamakoti said. He also acknowledged the contribution of Ms. G. Thilakavathi, stating that under her guidance the campus continues to grow into a more supportive and secure space.
The event reaffirmed IIT Madras’ long-standing commitment to providing a campus where students can thrive academically and personally, while feeling safe, heard, and supported.
The event was livestreamed for wider outreach, reinforcing transparency and engagement with the campus community.
