Sometimes All They Need Is a Little Love”: Meet IIT Kharagpur’s First Dean of Student Well-Being
In an unprecedented move within the Indian Institutes of Technology system, IIT Kharagpur has appointed its first-ever Dean of Student Well-Being—Professor Arun Chakraborty. This new position is a direct response to recent tragic events on campus, including four unnatural student deaths this year, and signals a renewed focus on students’ mental health, living conditions, and overall well-being.
The creation of this role highlights IIT Kharagpur’s commitment to addressing the pressures faced by its 15,000-strong student body, many of whom grapple with intense academic competition, cultural adjustments, and emotional challenges. As the institute takes proactive steps to support its students holistically, Professor Chakraborty’s appointment stands as a beacon of hope and empathy.
From Mentor to Dean: The Journey of Professor Arun Chakraborty
Professor Chakraborty’s journey at IIT Kharagpur began in 2006 when he joined as an assistant professor at the Centre for Ocean, River, Atmosphere and Land Sciences (CORAL). Over the years, his ability to motivate and inspire students has become well-known.
One memorable example involves a doctoral student on the verge of dropping out. While others doubted the youth’s potential, Chakraborty offered “a little bit of inspiration and motivation,” transforming the student’s outlook and helping him publish his first paper. This approach—building trust, listening first, and offering compassionate guidance—has been the cornerstone of Chakraborty’s interaction with students, many of whom confide in him not only academic worries but also personal struggles.
Why IIT Kharagpur Created the Dean of Student Well-Being Role
The urgency of creating this dedicated position became clear after the institute suffered four unnatural student deaths this year alone. Speaking to The Indian Express, IIT Kharagpur’s Director, Suman Chakraborty, emphasized the importance of student well-being, stating, “After being appointed as Director, I gave student well-being the highest priority.” He further explained that this role required a person with empathy, approachability, strong communication skills, and a problem-solving mindset—qualities that Professor Arun Chakraborty embodies perfectly.
The Dean of Student Well-Being’s portfolio focuses exclusively on mental and physical health, improving living conditions, and intervening early before any crisis escalates. This specialization is designed to complement the broader student affairs department, addressing the nuanced needs of today’s students.
Understanding the Student Challenges at IIT Kharagpur
IIT Kharagpur is home to a diverse student population from across India, each bringing unique cultural backgrounds, languages, and personal histories. Professor Chakraborty highlights that many students arrive accustomed to being top performers in their schools or hometowns, only to face an environment where everyone is equally brilliant. This realization can be jarring and difficult to accept, sometimes leading to emotional and mental health challenges.
“I’ve seen brilliant students who can’t accept small failures,” he explains. “That’s when they need a little extra support and understanding.”
Chakraborty’s own background—from a small village in West Bengal to becoming a respected professor—gives him a unique perspective. Unlike many students today, he recalls coming to IIT with the freedom to learn without pressure from parents about placements or salaries. That freedom, he believes, helped him develop a trusting, supportive relationship with students—a crucial asset in his new role.
An Academic Leader Who Goes Beyond the Classroom
With a career spanning over 25 years in research and 18 years in teaching, Professor Chakraborty has published more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and guided over 30 PhD scholars to successful completion. His academic credentials include a BSc and MSc in Physics, an MTech in Atmospheric Science and Technology from IIT Kharagpur, and a PhD from IIT Delhi.
Yet, his students see him as much more than an academic guide. Amarjeet, a fifth-year PhD scholar from Meerut, calls him “an academic father” who was supportive not only academically but also during personal struggles, especially when transitioning to campus life amid the Covid pandemic.
Similarly, Sakshi Sharma, a PhD student from Delhi, praises his approachability and commitment, saying, “He treats every student like his family member. He is never too busy for his students.”
What Lies Ahead: The Roadmap for Student Well-Being
Taking on the role of Dean of Student Well-Being, Professor Chakraborty acknowledges the challenges but welcomes the opportunity. “It’s challenging, and this is for the holistic development of students,” he says.
In his first few weeks, he has already begun mapping out strategies such as identifying students with academic backlogs for targeted assistance and ensuring the quality of living conditions on campus. His philosophy is clear: “If their mental health is good, then they will contribute to nation-building.”
The hope is that by intervening early, creating a culture of openness, and providing tailored support, the institute can foster resilience and well-being among its student community, preventing tragedies and nurturing future leaders.
Conclusion: A Message of Compassion and Hope
Professor Arun Chakraborty’s appointment as IIT Kharagpur’s first Dean of Student Well-Being symbolizes a crucial shift in how premier institutions approach student care. Beyond academic excellence, it recognizes the importance of empathy, trust, and mental health support in nurturing young minds.
As he puts it simply, sometimes students “just need a little love” — and with that, they can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
If you are a student or parent at IIT Kharagpur, or someone interested in student mental health, keep an eye on how this pioneering role unfolds—it could set a precedent for institutions across India.
