ANU Vice-Chancellor calls for measures to strengthen student support systems

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Vice-Chancellor of Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU) K. Gangadhara Rao on Wednesday highlighted the growing challenges faced by students due to academic pressure, changing social environments and personal circumstances, and underscored the responsibility of educational institutions to create supportive campus environment.

He was speaking at the inaugural of a two-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on “Sustainable Wellness: Building Resilient Minds” organised by Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE), under RUSA 2.0, at the ANU. The programme aims to strengthen student-support systems by equipping principals, deans, wardens and other academic administrators with practical strategies to promote student well-being, resilience and early intervention mechanisms.

APSCHE Vice-Chairperson K. Ratna Shila Mani, who inaugurated the event, emphasised the need for institutions to adopt a comprehensive approach to student wellness. APSCHE Vice-Chairman S. Vijaya Bhaskara Rao underlined the importance of family and community support in building resilience among young people. Secretary B. Tirupati Rao called for preserving social cohesion and community values, noting that human development should be assessed through overall well-being and quality of life rather than economic progress alone.

Retired IAS officer P. Lakshminarasimhan spoke on meaningful living, sustainable development and youth empowerment. He encouraged educational institutions to foster creativity, adaptability, leadership and social responsibility through greater participation in activities such as NCC, NSS and other extracurricular programmes.

Mental health experts at the FDP focused on identifying student distress and strengthening support mechanisms. Dr. T.V. Pavan Kumar of NRI Academy of Sciences discussed common causes of student distress, warning signs and the importance of timely intervention. Participants were advised that teachers, wardens and mentors should act as first responders by recognising behavioural changes and connecting students with professional support when required.

The programme also emphasised the need for clear referral systems, wellness centres, peer-support networks and campus-wide mental health initiatives.

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