On World Mental Health Day, IIT Bombay organized an insightful conversation on “Mind Matters for Well-Being” with US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, at the Institute’s Victor Menezes Convention Centre.

The event began with a welcome address by the Institute Director Prof. Shireesh Kedare in the presence of Institute functionaries including Deputy Director (Academics, Research and Translation) Prof. Milind Atrey, Deputy Director (Finance, Infrastructure and Administration) Prof. K. V. Krishna Rao and the Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations) Prof. Ravindra Gudi.

In his welcome address, Prof. Kedare said, “As educators and mentors, the Institute plays a pivotal role in shaping not just the intellectual growth of students, but also their emotional and psychological well-being. Creating a supportive environment where open dialogue around mental health and loneliness can thrive will be of great help”.

The event also featured an engaging fireside chat between Dr. Murthy and Ms. Ira Khan, Founder and CEO, Agatsu Foundation. The conversation touched on the complexities of mental well-being, the challenges of isolation and the importance of creating supportive communities.

In his remarks on World Mental Health Day, Dr. Vivek Murthy emphasized the importance of viewing mental health as an integral part of overall health, reflecting on both his personal and professional experiences.

Dr. Murthy said, "Today is World Mental Health Day. My hope is that one day in the future, there won't be a need for Mental Health Day because we will see it for what it is—a part of our overall health and just as important as our physical health".

It was a day of reflection and action, bringing mental health to the forefront of discussions at IIT Bombay.

The event was attended by faculty, students, staff and the alumni community of IIT Bombay at large.