Wellbeing Week 2025, organised by the Office of Inclusive Learning Support (ILS), at Krea University, marked the World Mental Health Day with a series of events centered on reflection, learning, music, and holistic wellness. Ranging from mental health awareness for support staff, community yoga, and live music, to academic talks, nature-based activities, and inclusive education workshops, the week fostered a campus-wide commitment to holistic wellbeing and belonging.
Wellbeing in Focus
The Wellbeing Week began with Wellbeing in Focus, for the support and security staff at Krea University. The session aimed to raise awareness about mental health and overall wellbeing among these essential members of our campus community.
To ensure the discussion was accessible and engaging, it was conducted in local languages — Tamil and Telugu. Led by Rakhi Rai, Senior Manager, Office of Student Life (OSL), and Aparna Raghavan, In-house Mental Health Counsellor, the session offered valuable insights into the importance of mental health, emotional balance, self-care, and seeking support when needed. They emphasised that mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health and shared simple, practical strategies for managing stress, building positive relationships, and maintaining a healthy mindset both at work and in daily life.
Input by Dhruvi Dhombe, IMBA Cohort of 2023-28
Wellbeing Wall with the Psychology Society
Students came together to share their reflections, doodles, and thoughts on wellbeing, adding their voices to a vibrant collective mural.
Soul Jams
Filled with music and movement, Soul Jams brought energy and rhythm to the entrance of the JSW Academic Block. Part of the Feel It Live series, the session featured artists Shivansh, Goutham, and Marvel, who curated a setlist that blended 1990s Bollywood classics with contemporary songs.
The performance stood out for its participatory spirit, with people singing, clapping, snapping, and keeping the beat. As the evening progressed, the atmosphere became more collective, with performers and listeners moving together in rhythm. Marking World Mental Health Day, the event created space for joy, expression, and ease, setting a vibrant tone for the days ahead.
Input by Trishna Saha, SIAS UG Cohort of 2023-27
Community Yoga
Following the musical start to Wellbeing Week, a calming Community Yoga session was held on Monday, 13 October. Led by Shikha Joshi, a certified Yoga Teacher, Therapist, and Face Yoga Expert, the session reflected her holistic approach to mind–body wellness.
Guest Lecture
Titled “Fear of Social Death: Youth Suicidal Distress and ‘Love Problems’ in Rural India”, this online talk by Dr Varnica Arora, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Stonehill College, was convened by Dr Akanksha Adya, Assistant Professor, Psychology, SIAS.
Dr Arora discussed how love, heartbreak, and social expectations intersect with youth mental health in rural India. Drawing on case studies and fieldwork, she highlighted how emotional distress, stigma, and community pressures shape young lives. These experiences were tied to identity, belonging, and social acceptance within restrictive social structures.
The interactive format encouraged students to share thoughts, ask questions, and reflect on perceptions of mental health in India, especially rural contexts. A particularly impactful segment explored how “love problems” are culturally framed and their intersection with caste as both personal and social struggle.
Input by Pranvi Khare, SIAS Cohort of 2023-27
Bounce Back: Mental Wellbeing Through Sports
This interactive session explored how movement, play, and teamwork can support mental wellbeing. Using basketball as a lens for resilience, connection, and stress release, the session fostered a supportive environment where students could recharge, reflect, and take away practical tools for their mental health.
Wellbeing Through the Years with HerCampus Krea and MoCC
The week continued with a reflective and engaging session hosted by HerCampus Krea in collaboration with ILS and MoCC. The event brought students together to discuss topics with the help of prompts related to mental health, balancing academics, and self-care. The interactive session included thought-provoking conversations, followed by fun games like ‘Heads Up’ using the Emotions and Feelings deck, and a round of Pictionary centered on self-care and emotional expression. The session fostered a sense of community while placing student wellbeing at its core.
Input by Sia Bubna, IMBA Cohort 2023-28
Digital Detox: Nature Walk with Emden
The week brought yet another invigorating and immersive experience with Digital Detox: Nature Walk with Emden. Avid nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and photographers amongst students and staff – actively participated in the walk – soaking in the natural beauty of the lush green campus. This experience was further enriched with Emden’s unparalleled knowledge of and passion to explore the flora and fauna in Sri City, even as the participants left with takeaways aplenty.
Inclusive Classrooms
An online workshop for teaching and non-teaching staff focused on understanding neurodivergence, specifically Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Facilitated by Kripa Ramasubramanian, a special needs educator and rehabilitation professional, the session introduced key characteristics of these conditions and offered practical strategies to support neurodivergent students. It aimed to build awareness and equip faculty with inclusive teaching approaches for equitable learning.
Wellbeing Fair 2.0
The Peer Support Volunteers, in collaboration with ILS, hosted the Wellbeing Fair 2.0 on 29 October. The campus came alive with colours, music, and laughter as students gathered to celebrate wellness, creativity, and community. A variety of clubs, societies, and students set up stalls that made the evening truly special. These included Rangasthala (Theatre), Layam (Music), Navyata (Fashion), Aikyatha (Social Outreach), Syahi (Literary Arts), the Cyber Club, and the Economics Society. Each stall brought something unique, from interactive games to creative displays that reflected the energy and spirit of the student community.
The fair also highlighted the importance of kindness and care beyond campus. A student-led stall sold mental well-being posters to raise funds for the refugees in Palestine and Sudan, while Aikyatha organised a stall with delicious pastries and refreshing sharbats to support donation drives for humanitarian causes. Throughout the evening, students enjoyed a mix of relaxing and joyful activities, including karaoke, mindful journaling, mood boards, wellbeing check-ins, wellness reminders, and fun games. There were also stalls selling charms and jewellery, adding a touch of retail therapy and creativity to the experience.
The atrium was filled with warmth, happiness, and a sense of solidarity as students described the fair as a comforting pause amidst their busy schedules, a moment to unwind, reconnect with friends, and reflect on their well-being.
Input and Images by Trishna Saha, SIAS UG Cohort of 2023-27
Wellbeing Week 2025 unfolded through a range of experiences fostering reflection, inclusion, and a shared commitment to holistic wellness across campus.