IIT Hyderabad introduces credit course on goodness and character development

The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) has introduced Goodness: Character, Responsibility and Human Flourishing (LA2270), a one-credit elective designed to encourage students to reflect on character, social responsibility and personal growth. More than 140 students have opted for the course, which is open to undergraduate BTech students across Years I to IV and BDes students, with no prerequisites.

The course aims to help students examine what constitutes a meaningful life and how success can be understood beyond income and professional position. Rather than prescribing a single definition of goodness, it encourages students to consider how personal choices and everyday actions affect individuals and society.

Across seven sessions, students explore the Goodness Index framework, human flourishing across physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions, Character Infrastructure, the Character Dividend, Personal Social Responsibility and the relationship between goodness and the vision of Viksit Bharat. The course concept was proposed by the Institute of Goodness and subsequently adopted and approved by IITH as an academic credit course. It is taught by Ravi Sharma, founder of the Institute of Goodness and an alumnus of IIT Roorkee.

IITH Director Prof. B. S. Murty said education should extend beyond knowledge and professional competence to include reflection on character, responsibility and contribution to society.

He said the course encourages students to consider how their decisions can contribute to a meaningful life and a better society.

Alongside the initiative, IITH has introduced Mental Well-being & Resilience, a mandatory one-credit course for all first-year undergraduate students, conducted in collaboration with the institute’s Sunshine Counseling Cell. The course covers stress and time management, emotional intelligence, healthy relationships, resilience, digital well-being, addiction management and suicide prevention training. Students are also connected with awareness programmes, peer-support groups and other activities organised by the counselling cell.

Dr. Neeraj Kumar, Faculty-in-Charge of the Sunshine Counseling Cell, said resilience and concern for others can complement each other. He highlighted the importance of equipping students with practical skills to manage stress, build relationships and seek support when needed.

Ravi Sharma said the Goodness course seeks to encourage students to consider success in terms of both personal achievement and contributions to society.

Together, the two courses form part of IITH’s approach to holistic education, addressing students’ academic and professional development alongside personal well-being, responsible decision-making and social engagement.

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The Hans India