The Ashoka Centre for Well-Being: A Sanctuary of Support and Growth

Rising stress levels and mental health challenges are growing concern worldwide. Universities, while centres of learning, can also become environments of intense academic pressure exacerbating these struggles. However, with the right support systems, individuals can overcome these challenges and thrive. Ashoka tries to be that support system for its students so they can grow both intellectually and personally. In 2016, The Ashoka Centre for Well-Being (ACWB) was set up to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of students and the Ashoka community. One of the very few centres of its kind in the Indian higher education landscape, ACWB has proven to be a cornerstone of support for students, faculty and staff. 

ACWB is a safe space for students navigating the pressures of academic life. On average, the Centre conducts individual sessions with close to 400 students in a month, a testament to its impact and necessity. During high-stress times – for instance, the frenzy of end-semester exams – the Centre goes above and beyond by extending round-the-clock helplines and offering walk-in support. Its dedication is reflected in the voices of the people the Centre has supported. In an ongoing survey amongst first-time clients, 88.6 % agreed that ACWB is a valuable resource for emotional support on campus.

The Centre also extends its reach to the wider world, working with educators, students, and leadership from several other institutions. It offers services such as awareness programmes, counselling sessions and workshops tailored to the unique pressures of academic life. 

The Centre’s efforts go beyond crisis intervention. ACWB also invests in building community leaders – training students, faculty and staff to recognise and address signs of distress. Initiatives such as the Resident Assistant Programme, which includes 62 students from various academic streams, exemplify how individuals are empowered to co-create a campus culture rooted in care. Mohadissa Rizvi (UG’ 2027) describes the RA programme as a support system for students, fostering a strong sense of community. Reflecting on her experience, she says, “The RA programme helped me connect with my peers and made me feel less alone as a new student.”

Mental health and support are crucial at every stage of life. ACWB supports mental health advocacy through student-led campaigns and offers internships that provide hands-on experience in mental health awareness and research. Several of the Centre’s flagship initiatives empower individuals across different stages of life. For high school students, the Centre offers ‘Mental Health for High-Schoolers’, a programme that helps adolescents navigate emotional complexities during a pivotal stage of development. Similar programmes have been designed for the participants of the Lodha Genius Programme and the Young Scholars Programme. Additionally, ACWB designed the programme, ‘Well-being at Workplace’ for Ashoka staff. 

These programmes represent a commitment to well-being that extends beyond Ashoka, influencing how we as a society approach mental health. The ACWB reflects what we can achieve when care and compassion are prioritised. As the Centre continues to grow, it remains dedicated to creating a supportive environment where mental health is prioritised, and individuals are equipped with skills to navigate the complex challenges they face.