After student's suicide, DUSU wants 'Wellness Cell' in colleges

New Delhi: The Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) requested the university authorities to set up a 'Wellness Cell' in all colleges of the varsity, following an 18-year-old student's alleged suicide in Bharati College. DUSU said that just one counsellor for over 1.3 lakh students. Moreover, this counselling facility is available only to women students. In a letter to the vice-chancellor, Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) secretary Mahamedhaa Nagar expressed concern about how there was lack of resources for students to seek help in the country.

"Students are unable to manage their stress. They do not have a place to vent their thoughts either at home or at school or college. Many battle an identity crisis. Uncertain about their future, they begin to isolate themselves and eventually slip into depression," she said in her letter.

She proposed setting up a "Wellness Cell" in all colleges for students to seek help. "The DUSU proposes the Delhi University to immediately take reforms and introduce a new cell/society naming Wellness Cell in all DU colleges dedicated to the mental health of the students. "Also, there should be a proper check or a survey by the DU administration on the availability and appointments of professional counsellors in DU colleges to ensure students have an opportunity to outcast their feelings to someone at the college," the letter said.

The primary focus of the cell would be to conduct lectures and counselling sessions for the students suffering from any kind of behavioural issues/disorders. Wellness cells can play an important role in creating awareness about mental health issues, something which is often neglected in our country, Nagar said in the letter.