In a time when many are silently struggling, a group of IIT Roorkee alumni has come together to offer something simple yet powerful — a listening ear. This Q&A explores who they are, what led to this initiative, and how they aim to build a stronger, more connected alumni community.

Here’s what the team at Listening Ear shared with the Watch Out! team during our Q&A for this for this initiative:

Can you briefly introduce the team behind Listening Ear?

Meet our mentor team: a group of kind and experienced alumni with 10 to 40+ years of work behind them across different fields, countries, and causes. They have led teams, worked on global projects, and guided others. Now they are here to listen and help. See the full list of mentors and their backgrounds here:
👉 Meet Your Mentors

What inspired the creation of Listening Ear?

Life today can be overwhelming, especially for students and new graduates. Our team has seen the effects of stress firsthand, and it is deeply concerning in the long term as well.

This led us, at Listening Ear, to ask: what if, instead of keeping everything inside, people had a space where they could simply talk? A place with no judgment and no pressure, just support.

Many people going through difficult times are looking for someone who is willing to listen and offer thoughtful guidance. This team, with its wide range of experience, was built with that goal in mind. We believe that by offering a listening ear, we can draw on our lifelong experiences to help others reflect and improve their approach to life.

What is the central vision or long-term goal of this initiative?

This is a community built by alumni, for alumni, including those who will join in the future. Our goal is to create a space where every member feels a sense of belonging and knows they are not alone. Whether you are navigating early career challenges or simply looking for connection, there is always someone here to listen and offer support.

With this initiative, we are especially reaching out to younger alumni, offering them a safe and welcoming environment. Over time, we hope that those who benefit today will carry this spirit forward and offer the same support to the next generation. Together, we can build a culture where listening, mentoring, and mutual respect become part of our shared tradition.

As the world moves faster, especially in tech, having a supportive community matters more than ever, and we at Listening Ear are fully committed to it.

Who will your target audience be, and how will you engage with them?

Primarily, we’re here for students and young professionals. Conversations are strictly one-on-one, confidential, and 100% judgment-free.

Want to stay anonymous? Absolutely your choice. Your story and all details stay with you and your mentor.

How will you structure or conduct these sessions?

You’ve got two ways to reach us:

• Drop into a Sunday Call Session
  Join our private Google Meet call any Sunday between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM. You can choose your mentor, and the conversation will be personal, comfortable, and shaped around what you need.
  👉 Google Meet Link

• Prefer scheduling?
  Just send us a quick email at ncriitraa@gmail.com with your preferred date, time, and mentor. We’ll share a private call link and ensure everything is ready for you.

How will you ensure a non-judgmental and empathetic space?

We’re not here to advise from a pedestal. We’re here to listen with empathy, patience, and zero judgment. Whether you’re facing academic pressure or simply need someone to talk to, you’re encouraged to reach out.

A qualified clinical psychologist is also part of our team, available for additional support if needed.

What kind of training or preparation will your mentors go through?

Our mentor team includes alumni with 10 to over 40 years of experience across many fields, including global projects. They’ve led teams, improved how organizations work, and guided people toward both professional success and personal growth. At the same time, they know that everyone’s journey is different. That’s why they continue to learn, especially how to listen, because listening is at the heart of good mentoring.

Have you or your team tried a similar initiative before? If so, what was the outcome like back then?

Yes, some of our mentors have walked this path before, offering private, year-round mentoring within their companies. From helping people meet their career goals to supporting them through grief, their one-on-one sessions have made a meaningful impact, especially on the younger generation.

Are there any alumni with strong experience or expertise in this kind of work who are supporting or mentoring the effort?

Absolutely. This team is a knowledge powerhouse. From hosting sessions on life lessons and communication to mentoring in fields like engineering, medicine, smart investments, and corporate life, they bring a wide range of experience.

We also have a qualified clinical psychologist, the spouse of an IITR alumnus, who offers expert guidance. She is available on request and provides additional support to the team when needed.

Do you plan to collaborate with other wellness or alumni initiatives? If so, how?

Yes, we’re definitely open to it. Right now, the Listening Ear team includes IITR alumni who host life-lesson presentations every Sunday.

While we haven’t officially partnered with any other wellness or alumni initiatives yet, we’re thinking in that direction. If there’s a good match, we’d love to join hands and grow this supportive space together.