As a Mental Health Professional, what are your views on the student protest and their impact on student well-being?

While the protest of students in Delhi but it's aftermath is not. The protest may be called off in Delhi but is ongoing in several parts of India. Recent student protests in Delhi have highlighted concerns about examinations, career uncertainty, and trust in educational systems. Beyond the headlines, these events have had a significant emotional impact on many students. We asked two mental health professionals to share their perspectives.

Dr. Sachitra Chakravorty view on protest & its impact on mental health.

( Counselling Psychologist with over 20 years of experience )

"As a mental health professional, I believe that peaceful protests are a legitimate way for students to express their concerns and seek accountability. If there has been misconduct or negligence, it is entirely appropriate to demand a fair, transparent, and timely disciplinary process against those responsible.

At the same time, I believe it is important that such movements do not become politicized. When the focus shifts from justice and institutional accountability to political agendas, it can inadvertently increase stress, anxiety, fear, and uncertainty for students and their families, while also making it more difficult for the administration to engage in constructive dialogue and implement meaningful solutions.

From a psychological perspective, the priority should remain the well-being of students, restoration of trust, and the creation of a safe educational environment. Justice, transparency, and institutional reform are best achieved when discussions remain respectful, evidence-based, and centered on the welfare of everyone involved rather than political polarization."

Suchandra Samaddar view on protest & its impact on mental health.

( Counselling Psychologist with over 3 years of experience )

"From a mental health standpoint, the student protests led by CJP highlight something we cannot ignore: the intense pressure, uncertainty, and emotional toll that India’s high-stakes examination system places on young people.

When paper leaks, re-examinations, and prolonged uncertainty happen, they don’t just disrupt academic plans — they deeply affect students’ mental well-being. Many experience heightened anxiety, feelings of helplessness, loss of motivation, and in the most tragic cases, severe distress that has led to loss of life. These are not abstract issues; they show up in counselling rooms as real emotional pain.

I believe students have every right to express their concerns peacefully. Protest can be a healthy way for young people to feel heard when institutional systems fail them. At the same time, as a mental health professional, I am concerned about the psychological cost of prolonged agitation, police action, arrests (especially of minors), and the overall climate of fear or exhaustion that can follow.

What I would like to see is greater seriousness from educational institutions and authorities toward student mental health — not dismissal of their concerns, but genuine listening, timely support, and systemic reforms that reduce unnecessary pressure. Campuses need to create safer spaces where students can speak about their struggles without fear of being ignored or penalised.

In short: I support the underlying need for accountability and student well-being that these protests represent. My focus remains on the emotional reality of the young people involved — their stress, their resilience, and their need for both systemic change and accessible psychological support."

Shared Reflection

Both professionals agree that students' emotional well-being should never become an overlooked casualty during periods of uncertainty. Whatever one's views on the protests, supporting students with empathy, open dialogue, accessible mental health services, and clear communication from institutions can help reduce psychological distress and foster resilience.