In a heartwarming celebration of holistic education, the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar took a momentous step forward this week by laying the foundation stone for the Dr Ishan Avdhoot Shivanand Centre for Yogic Sciences and Holistic Development. This exciting new facility represents a beautiful recognition that true academic success flourishes when students' mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing are nurtured alongside their intellectual growth.

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together visionary leaders including IIT-Ropar Director Rajeev Ahuja, mental health researcher Dr Ishan Shivanand, Atharva Poundarik from the Department of Biomedical Engineering, and cardiologist Dr Bindukumar Kansupada. Their collaboration signals a promising shift toward comprehensive student care in premier educational institutions.

The new centre will be a welcoming sanctuary offering multipurpose halls dedicated to yoga, meditation, gymnastics, and stress management programmes. Students will have access to mental health counselling and participate in research collaborations focusing on holistic and non-pharmaceutical wellness interventions. This thoughtful approach addresses the very real mental health challenges that students face today, providing them with scientifically validated wellness practices that can transform their educational experience.

What makes this initiative even more inspiring is the commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Alongside the wellness centre, IIT-Ropar and Dr Shivanand have jointly announced the Dr Ishan Shivanand Scholarship for Gifted Youth, a programme that will open doors for talented students from underprivileged backgrounds. Ten fully-funded scholarships—five for undergraduate and five for postgraduate students—will cover not just tuition fees, but also accommodation, living expenses, and complete access to the wellness centre's programmes.

This comprehensive support system ensures that deserving students won't have to choose between pursuing their dreams and managing financial constraints. It's a powerful statement that talent and potential deserve to be nurtured regardless of economic circumstances.

The institute's leadership envisions this initiative serving as a national model for higher education institutions seeking integrated approaches to learning and mental health support. By positioning student wellbeing alongside academic excellence rather than treating them as separate concerns, IIT-Ropar is demonstrating remarkable forward-thinking leadership.

This holistic approach recognizes what many educators and parents have long understood: when students feel mentally balanced, physically healthy, and emotionally supported, they're better equipped to excel academically and develop into well-rounded individuals ready to make meaningful contributions to society.

The centre represents more than just a new building on campus—it's a beacon of hope and a testament to the evolving understanding of what true education means. It acknowledges that producing successful graduates isn't just about filling minds with knowledge, but about nurturing whole human beings who can thrive in all aspects of life.

As construction begins on this transformative facility, the IIT-Ropar community and education sector nationwide have much to celebrate. This initiative promises to create ripples of positive change, inspiring other institutions to embrace similarly comprehensive approaches to student development and wellbeing.