From sharing meals to tagging along on hikes, campus animals have become companions to IIT-B students. Many say the dogs and cats help them deal with stress, loneliness and pressure, creating a unique emotional ecosystem within the institute
An IIT-Bombay campus canine naps during a physics lecture, with no one bothered by its presence. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
While high pressure and academic stress are routine at India’s premier institutes, many students who come from faraway towns find comfort in unexpected corners of campus life. At IIT-Bombay, the friendly community of stray dogs and cats inside the Powai campus has become a quiet emotional support system for hundreds of students.
Vikash Kumar, a master’s student from Rajasthan, says his closest companions at IIT-B are the indie dogs living below his hostel building. Having grown up on a farm in Churu, he developed a bond with animals early on after caring for abandoned puppies near his home. “We have many dogs on campus, and I’ve become friends with all of them. Feeding them or just sitting with them helps me relax,” he said.
Students had immediately called a vet to check on a cat that had given birth on campus
Dogs, or “dogesh,” as he fondly calls them, have seamlessly integrated into the daily life of the institute. They hop onto campus buggies, ride in autos, follow students to lectures, and wander the grounds without disturbing anyone. “Students care deeply for the animals,” Vikash said. “A cat gave birth near our hostel, and a group immediately called a vet to check the kittens.”
One of the campus dogs riding on a buggy
Amid assignments, deadlines and exams, many students say animals provide grounding emotional support. “The dogs and cats are always happy to see us. They have no deadlines or exams, and they spend time with us whenever we need it,” Vikash said. During hikes around campus, the dogs often tag along. “With leopards around, their presence also feels reassuring,” he added.
Vikash with one of the campus canines. Pics/By Special Arrangement
For others, especially those new to animals, the campus experience becomes a gentle introduction. Devyani, a PhD student and former IIT-Jodhpur student, said she is now learning to bond with the dogs, too. “I was always used to cats. Dogs scare me a little because they get excited, but at IIT-B I’m slowly learning to care for them. I even buy treats for them,” she said.
Another campus favourite
Students say that animals occasionally wander into exam halls and classrooms, adding unexpected moments of calm. “Having animals around has helped our mental health,” said an IITB alumnus. “Assignments often isolate us, but animals bring comfort. Some professors even feed the dogs at designated spots. I’ve seen students who were terrified of animals begin to nurture them. It’s beautiful to watch.”
The 27-year-old alumnus said he was once phobic of animals until he joined the institute in 2020. “I never took time for myself until I started spending time with animals here. They’ve helped me slow down and breathe.”
BMC needs your help
BMC’s Veterinary Health Department is looking to designate community animal feeding spots and has circulated a public form for community animal feeders, who can register and give their suggestions through this link: https://forms.gle/WEwiDF8dR7tzaetC9
BMC has also started a helpline number
7564976649 for citizens who wish to call instead of sending in suggestions or queries online
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