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Endorsements

We are delighted to introduce the Zen Lounge as a space where students can pause, reflect, and find moments of calm in the midst of their rigorous academic schedule. Ms Narayanan’s thoughtful contribution will go a long way in encouraging the importance of mindfulness and well-being among our students. The first-of-its-kind initiative among IITs, the Zen Lounge reflects our commitment to fostering mental health and holistic wellness among students. By encouraging the practice of yoga and meditation, we aim to contribute to a healthier and more balanced student community at IIT Kharagpur.
Rintu Banerjee
Deputy Director, IIT KGP Alumna
I am thrilled to discover the Zen Wellness Lounge initiative, which addresses the pressing challenges faced by IIT students across India. As someone connected with all 23 IITs, I can attest to the urgent need for holistic wellness solutions. The WHEELS Global Foundation is eager to collaborate and implement this innovative wellness program for the benefit of IIT students. We believe this initiative has the potential to make a profound impact on their wellbeing and future.
Kishan Goenka
IIT KGP Alumnus (1970) Chairperson, “WHEELS Global Foundation", Water Council
To achieve success in any endeavour, one needs a calm and focused mind. Students these days are facing peer pressure, information overload, and need mentorship to guide their future. There’s a growing need to find one’s inner balance through the practise of mindfulness and yoga techniques. Students also need supportive guidance from IITKGP alumni as mentors. May the Zen Wellness Lounge be an oasis of Peace, Well-being and Inner discovery for students. A much needed gap has been filled through this excellent initiative by Viji Narayanan. Wishing you all the success !
Naveen Makheja
IIT KGP alumnus 1991,
CEO & MD, South Asia LPG Company Pvt. Ltd.
In today's world of volatile conditions of confrontation and devisevness, such center will bring rationalization of ideas and more cohesiveness among people Congratulations Viji.
Asoke Deysarkar
President, IIT KGP Foundation USA, Founder of PfP Industries, IIT KGP Alumnus.
With the ever growing distractions, stress, and fast-paced living, a sanctuary is truly needed to connect with our inner selves and the world around us. Thank you Viji for opening the Zen lounge at IIT Kharagpur - a dedicated space for peace and mindfulness allowing the IIT community to focus on their mental and emotional well-being. I’m confident that this concept of Zen lounge will be a big success!! Best wishes....
Dr. Koel Chaudhury, PhD
Professor, School of Medical Science & Technology (SMST) & Associate Dean, Students' Affairs,
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur.
The young generation is moving through an ecosystem with intense pressure and stress because of growing social expectation, increasing workload, decreasing interaction, diminishing self-socialization etc. The higher educational Institutes like IIT Kharagapur is not an exception, facing serious challenges to enhance students’ wellbeing as physical fitness and mental wellness, through various co-curricular activities like sports, cultural, and social engagement. Establishment of the meditation centre “Zen Lounge” in SN/IG Hall of residence of IIT Kharagpur by the Alumnus Viji Narayanan (1991 B. Arch), is expected to create an environment of spirituality for bringing openness, building self-confidence, making others smile, and reliving stress among the students for a brighter future of the Institute.
Prof. Dillip Kumar SWAIN, PhD
Chairman, Hall Management Centre , Professor, Agronomy (Agricultural Systems & Management),
Agricultural and Food Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur.
Zen wellness lounge, the first of its kind in the institute, is a much needed sanctuary of peace and meditation. In today's fast-paced life where students have to be a part of the hustle-culture to keep up with changing times, this lounge provides an opportunity to reflect, meditate and focus on wellness. Students are looking forward to the mentorship program to be able to connect with alumni and gain valuable insights from their experiences !
Swetapadma Kar
Vice-Chairperson, Women Students' Council , IIT KGP
In today’s stressful and competitive world, it is important for everyone to find a space, both physical and mental, where we can live in peace and de-stress. Viji’s wellness initiative is a step in that direction and I sincerely hope that the boarders of SNIG hall will find that space within and without in the new Zen Meditation Lounge.
Dr. Sudha Goel, PhD,
John Hopkins University, Professor at IIT KGP, SN/IG Hall Warden
Congratulations to Viji and the Zen Lounge team on launch of the wellness initiatives at IIT KGP! Looking forward to connecting with students through the mentorship program. Definitely something I wish I had access to as a student and young alumna!
Chaitali Sengupta, PhD
IIT KGP Alumna, 1992 , CEO, Cirrus360 , Richardson, TX, USA.
Zen Lounge is a great idea. Would love to visit during my next visit to KGP in Feb 25
Commander VK Jaitly, Chairman
Rashtrahit Foundation Chairman: C_cube Consultants Management Consultant, Corporate Trainer, Motivational Speaker and Author Board Member: IIT Bhubaneswar UGC Nominee as Finance Member of SRM University, Tamil Nadu Advisory Board Member: PG Academy of Leadership, IIT Kharagpur Advisor: SC School of Quality and Reliability, IIT Kharagpur Advisor: Technology Students Gymkhana, IIT Kharagpur International Advisory Board Member of SOA University, Bhubaneswar National Coordinator: Youth4Nation Chairman: Chamber for Indo Russo Technology Collaboration Ex President: IIT Kharagpur Alumni Foundation (India) Founder Board Member: PanIIT India
A great step forward. India needs to reconnect with Zen spirit - which as you know has its origin in Vedic Philosophy which flourished and still flourishing in Japan - which personally I was beneficiary of for close to 15 years.  100 brands from Japan between 1960 to 1975  was because of Zen spirit, - which Steve Jobs understood and cultivated that spirit at Apple. Much of success of Apple is because of the Zen culture - calm and steady, holistic and holy,  - mkt share and profit follows. Let the Zen lounge resurrect the Zen spirit first at IIT KGP and spread it all across India - urgently required, critically important.
As an executive head at the Institute Wellness Group, we are always working towards creating a healthier and supportive student ecosystem. And now, the Zen Wellness Lounge's initiative to develop virtual lounges, connecting the wellness experts and our esteemed alumni network with the students, can contribute to enhancing their daily lifestyle, initiating deep conversations, and helping students navigate the odds of their college lives given the amount of stress that students on campus take now. The Tales & Echoes Lounge and Mentorship Lounge serve as bridges between alumni and students, fostering meaningful connections beyond just professional guidance. All these experiences can help students develop resilience, receive emotional support, and enhance their overall well-being.
Mani Krishna
Third Year Student at IIT Kharagpur
Executive Head at Institute Wellness Group, IIT KGP