Gurgaon college principals to be trained as master mentors to identify at-risk students

College principals in Gurugram will soon take on an expanded role in student welfare, with the district administration launching a programme to train them as master mentors to identify students at risk and help prevent suicides on campuses.

Under the initiative, principals from government and private colleges will undergo structured training focused on recognising early warning signs of emotional distress, depression, and anxiety among students. The programme also aims to equip them with tools to build internal support systems within institutions and ensure timely intervention through counselling and referral mechanisms.

Officials said the move is driven by growing concern over mental health challenges faced by young adults, particularly those living away from home, dealing with academic pressure, or coping with personal and financial stress. Principals, as academic leaders, are seen as key figures who can influence policy, sensitise faculty, and create a culture of openness around mental health.

The training will include sessions by mental health professionals, psychologists, and experts in adolescent behaviour. Principals will be guided on how to train teachers as first responders, set up peer support groups, and coordinate with parents when required, while maintaining student privacy and dignity.

District authorities said the programme will also stress the importance of regular interaction between students and faculty, monitoring attendance and academic performance as potential indicators of distress, and discouraging stigma around seeking help.

Once trained, the principals are expected to act as master trainers, cascading the learning to teaching and non-teaching staff within their colleges. The administration plans to review the impact of the initiative periodically and may extend similar training to school heads in the future.

Officials added that the larger goal is to move from reactive responses to a preventive framework, where early identification and timely support reduce the risk of extreme outcomes and help students navigate challenges more safely.