Online Panel Discussion: Mental Health Concerns of Students and Prevention of Suicides in Higher Education Institutions

The Kautilya Society of National Law University, Tripura, in collaboration with the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, organized an online panel discussion on “Mental Health Concerns of Students and Prevention of Suicides in Higher Education Institutions: Towards a Compassionate, Inclusive and Accountable Campus” on 22nd August 2026. Conducted via Zoom from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the programme sought to address one of the most pressing challenges in higher education today, the growing mental health concerns of students and the urgent need for preventive measures against suicides. The event opened with introductory remarks by Somya Singh, followed by a welcome address from Prof. (Dr.) Yogesh Pratap Singh, Vice‑Chancellor of NLU Tripura, who emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for its students. The theme was then set by the moderator, Ms. Susmita Das, faculty coordinator of Kautilya Society, NLUT who highlighted the importance of shifting from reactive crisis management to proactive, rights‑based approaches in addressing student distress.

The panel brought together diverse voices from law, psychiatry, global health, and student representation. Shireen Yachu, Senior Resident Fellow at the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, underscored the role of legal and policy frameworks in ensuring institutional accountability and confidential support systems. Prof. Vikram Patel, Paul Farmer Professor at Harvard Medical School, offered a global perspective, stressing the importance of early identification of distress and community‑based interventions to prevent suicides. Dr. Preethy K, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at AIIMS New Delhi, focused on the clinical dimensions of student mental health, including depression, anxiety, and substance use, while recommending effective counselling and referral mechanisms. Dr. Bandita Sengupta, Assistant Professor of Law at NLU Tripura, examined the intersection of law and mental health, pointing out how ragging, discrimination, and exclusion exacerbate distress, and called for stronger legal safeguards. Furthermore, Rijuka Roy Barman, representing the student body, shared candid insights into the lived experiences of students, highlighting academic pressure, isolation, and uncertainty about the future, while advocating for peer support networks and safe spaces on campus.

The discussion culminated in an open Q&A session, where students interacted with the panellists. The vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Susmita Das, faculty coordinator of Kautilya Society of NLUT bringing the event to a close. Overall, the panel served as a meaningful platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, reinforcing the idea that suicide prevention in higher education must be approached not merely as an individual or clinical issue but as a collective responsibility requiring compassion, inclusivity, and accountability at every level of the institution.