Latest news with #Empathy
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
AI tool, ‘campus moms' to curb IIT Kharagpur student deaths
Kolkata: The rising number of student deaths on campus has prompted IIT Kharagpur to launch a first-of-its-kind AI-powered emotional health monitoring tool that enables anonymous self check-ins and early alert systems. Besides, the institute will also introduce an initiative titled 'campus mothers', under which wives of faculty members and staffers, along with mental health professionals, will offer the warmth of parental care and affection to holistically address the emotional crisis of students. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata The AI tool integrated in an app is part of the institute's holistic wellness and engagement framework — Support, Empathy, Transformation, and Upliftment (SETU), which will roll out from July 25 during the induction programme of a new undergraduate (UG) batch. "The app will be secured so that vulnerable student data is not leaked. The system will allow wardens, faculty advisors, and trained peer mentors to respond in real-time with contextual sensitivity," director Suman Chakraborty said. The tool is being developed by in-house experts and a consultancy tech firm. SETU will also include professional care by psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors. It will also focus on peer empowerment, and community bonding to address the well-being of students. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo "It is the students who can be vigilant and alert us whenever they see some complex behavioural change among their hostel mates," added Chakraborty, while explaining the peer-empowered initiative. The institute has witnessed three suicide deaths in six months and nine deaths in the last five years. "With 20,000 students and 15 mental health experts at the counselling centre, it is physically not possible to cater to the needs of the students. Therefore, we need technological intervention along with a human touch so that the quality of life of the students on campus becomes better," the director said. The initiative is being rolled out as a pilot project at IIT Kharagpur and will serve as a national model for the other IITs. TOI earlier reported about Sarth (Support, Acceptance, Resilience, Therapy, and Healing), which focused on upgrading the institute's counselling centre and offering one-on-one therapy and psychiatric consultations while maintaining confidentiality, hostel-level outreach programmes, 24/7 online counselling via Your Dost, among other measures.
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Rethinking Wealth And Inclusion In Financial Planning
How Empathy and Innovation Can Close the Retirement Gap, Breaking Barriers to Retirement Security for Every American A picture taken on December 7, 2021 in Istanbul shows US dollars banknotes. - Turkey's annual ... More inflation rate jumped over 20 percent in November, official data showed on December 3, 2021, after a currency crisis last month in which the Turkish lira hit record lows against the dollar. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP) (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)When it comes to building wealth and security in America, too many families — especially those living paycheck to paycheck — are left out of the conversation. For low-income households, retirement planning often feels like a distant luxury, and the pathways to financial empowerment can seem inaccessible. In this candid Forbes Q&A, I speak to Thasunda Brown Duckett, President and CEO of TIAA and one of just two Black women to helm a Fortune 500 company currently, to discuss the systemic barriers that keep millions from building a secure future and to share actionable strategies for closing the retirement gap. Our conversation offers insights and practical advice for individuals, organizations, and policymakers committed to making retirement security a reality for all Americans. Q: In my work with low-income families through the Magnolia Mother's Trust, I often hear that retirement planning feels like a luxury they can't afford. How do we change this mindset and make retirement security accessible for all income levels? A: When we talk about retirement security for low-income families, particularly those living in poverty, we have to acknowledge a fundamental challenge: our retirement system is built around earned income and workplace benefits. The majority of low-income Americans lack access to workplace retirement plans. So this isn't just about saving more — it's about addressing systemic barriers. We need innovative policy solutions that help all Americans build financial security, whether through expanded access to retirement plans for small businesses, state-sponsored programs or other approaches that recognize different economic realities. Q: Financial know-how has traditionally been a privilege of those who are in higher income brackets. From your perspective, what role should financial education play in closing economic gaps, and how early should it start?" A: Financial education isn't just for those with wealth — today's technology helps make it more accessible to everyone. What matters is starting early with practical moments: discussing grocery prices with children or opening their first savings account, which research shows correlates with college attendance. 29 states now require financial education for graduation. But education alone isn't enough. We also need policies that make saving easier and more accessible. Q: When I speak with young people, especially those just graduating college, retirement often feels too far away to prioritize. You've spoken about the power of compounding — can you break down why starting to save early is so crucial, even if it's just a small amount? A: Your first paycheck is your first opportunity to invest in your future self. I tell young people one word they need to know: compounding. When you start that first job, you're making more than you did before — so start saving before you get used to spending that money. And if you are working at a company that offers a retirement match, take full advantage. Because otherwise, that's free money you're leaving on the table. Q: What are the biggest challenges and opportunities that your clients face in the current economic climate, especially regarding inflation and retirement security? A: Today's economic headwinds — from inflation to market volatility — create real challenges for retirement savers. But here's what's most important and where I see the opportunity for our clients: stay the course with your retirement contributions and ensure part of your allocation includes protection through guaranteed lifetime income. This is a good time to meet with your financial advisor, review your portfolio, and reaffirm your long-term strategy. Because while market volatility isn't new — it's how you respond that matters. It's important to maintain a long-term perspective and stay invested. Q: What specific strategies is TIAA using to promote financial inclusion and close the wealth gap, particularly for underserved communities? A: Let me share what we're doing to make retirement security accessible to everyone. With 57 million Americans lacking access to workplace retirement plans, we're advocating for policies that help more employers offer these benefits. We're working to make saving automatic through features like auto-enrollment, which can increase participation rates from 60% to over 90%. And crucially, we're ensuring guaranteed lifetime income is available in retirement plans. Because this isn't just about saving — it's about making sure people can retire with dignity and not outlive their savings. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: President/CEO of TIAA Thasunda Brown Duckett speaks onstage ... More during the 'My Leadership Journey' discussion during The Range Rover Leadership Summit at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo byfor Jaguar Land Rover) Q: As a champion of financial empowerment, what initiatives are you most proud of, and what impact have you seen so far? A: What I'm most proud of is seeing the retirement security movement gain real momentum at scale, with unprecedented bipartisan support and public-private partnerships driving change. That's why we launched our Retirement Bill of Rights initiative — because solving the retirement crisis requires all of us working together. We're seeing concrete progress: more employers offering workplace plans, increased adoption of auto-enrollment features, and growing recognition that guaranteed lifetime income is essential. This isn't about individual programs — it's about transforming the retirement system to work for all Americans. Q: Can you share actionable advice for organizations seeking to build more equitable and inclusive cultures? A: Building inclusive organizations isn't just about initiatives — it's about creating environments where people can thrive long-term. Research shows companies with inclusive cultures see higher retention rates and stronger employee engagement. When people feel they can bring their authentic selves to work and share diverse perspectives, they're more likely to stay, grow, and build financial security. That's why at TIAA our Business Resource Groups — which are employee networks organized around shared identities or experiences — are so powerful. They're not just support systems; they foster intellectual curiosity and innovation while creating pathways for career growth and long-term success. Q: How did your upbringing and early career experiences influence your leadership style and vision? A: Growing up, my family was long on love but short on money. My parents taught me grit and perseverance — showing me that obstacles are opportunities to grow stronger. But what truly shaped my leadership style was seeing my parents and our community working incredibly hard, sometimes still coming up short. That taught me real empathy — not the soft kind, but the kind that drives you to truly see people, connect with their potential, and fight on their behalf. For me, leadership isn't just about personal success — it's about creating connections that help others unlock their own potential. Q: What does 'human capital transformation' mean to you, and how is TIAA preparing for the future of work? A: Human capital transformation means creating a workplace ready for tomorrow's opportunities. It's about being at the forefront of meeting our clients' needs while taking our culture forward. At TIAA, we're transforming how we operate with a focus on modernization that excites and engages our people. I'm particularly proud of our Guild Network, where thousands of employees are embracing new skills and technologies. Because true transformation happens when mindset and technology work together to fuel curiosity, growth, and opportunity. This is how we prepare our employees for today while building for tomorrow. Q: Beyond your executive roles, you serve on several influential boards. How do these experiences inform your leadership at TIAA and your broader vision for social impact? A: Board service, from public companies to startups to nonprofits, fuels my intellectual curiosity about how different people and organizations solve complex challenges. I'm constantly learning from diverse thinkers and different approaches to problem-solving. These varied perspectives and conversations strengthen my leadership muscle daily, depositing new insights into my skill set that make me a better CEO at TIAA. Q: How do you advise individuals who do not have a culture of planning for retirement to get started? How can you make planning and saving for the future seem possible when you barely get by financially? A: When you're living paycheck to paycheck, the message 'just save more' isn't helpful. Money is emotional, and retirement planning can feel overwhelming when you're focused on getting by today. But let's take the judgment out of it and just get started. Maybe it's asking your HR department about retirement benefits you might not know about. Maybe it's learning about budgeting from free online resources. Maybe it's setting up a small automatic transfer each payday. Start where you are — even small amounts matter. Small steps today can create meaningful security tomorrow. The key is taking that first step. Q: I did a TED Talk about redefining wealth to come up with a more inclusive version that applies to communities often left out of the conversation. So I'd like to ask you, how do you define wealth? A: Wealth isn't just about money or hitting a certain number. True wealth is about joy — enriching your life in meaningful ways. It's about security — having confidence in your future. Most importantly, it's about legacy — not just the financial assets you pass on, but the knowledge you've accumulated, the lessons you've learned, and how you use them to impact others. Just like financial wealth requires both accumulation and distribution, life's wealth comes from gathering experiences and sharing them forward.
UAE Moments
30-06-2025
- Business
- UAE Moments
♋ Cancer Daily Horoscope for June 30, 2025
⭐ Love & Relationships You're in tune with your feelings and instincts today. This is a perfect time for heart-to-heart conversations with loved ones. Whether single or partnered, your empathetic nature enhances bonds with warmth and sincerity. 📈 Career & Ambitions Energy around leadership and structure is high. Take initiative—step up on your ideas and speak with conviction. Saturn's recent push helps you clarify boundaries. Use this momentum to refine your next big project. 💰 Finance Be cautious and strategic with your spending. It's not a day for impulsive purchases. Instead, carefully review your budget and consider small, meaningful investments that support long-term stability. 🩺 Health & Well-being Your emotional and physical energy is strong, though minor tension might surface from overwork. Balance ambitious pushes with mindful rest—like deep breaths, a short walk, or quiet reflection. 🌟 Other Focus Focus on nurturing your inner world. A journaling session or meditation could bring clarity and emotional renewal. Trust your intuition—it's particularly sharp right now.
UAE Moments
30-06-2025
- Business
- UAE Moments
♋ Cancer Daily Horoscope for June 29, 2025
❤️ Love & Relationships Deep emotional currents guide you today. Mercury continues to amplify your empathetic communication, helping you express love and mend any rifts. Romantic bonds feel softer, more heartfelt, and full of mutual understanding—trust your caring nature to gently lead the way. 💰 Finance Jupiter's influence boosts your money confidence—your instincts about financial decisions are sharp. A surprise opportunity could arise, so trust your gut when unexpected offers appear. 💼 Career & Ambitions Creative insights come naturally today. Whether it's a new project idea or a fresh approach at work, you feel inspired. Collaboration flourishes when you join groups or workshops—don't hesitate to share your imaginative ideas. 🩺 Health & Well‑Being Your emotional sensitivity calls for gentle self-care. Short nature walks, quiet reflection, or mindful breathing can nourish both heart and mind. Avoid pushing yourself—balance is key. The Moon in Leo energizes your sense of belonging and self-worth. Use this stabilizing energy to nurture your emotional world without retreating from connections.
UAE Moments
30-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- UAE Moments
♓ Pisces Daily Horoscope for June 30, 2025
💗 Love & Relationships Your empathy and depth foster heartwarming connections. Express your feelings, share a poetic note, or simply listen. You'll find true resonance in caring communication. 🧠 Career & Creativity Let your imagination roam. Today is perfect for brainstorming, creative writing, or visual projects. Share your visions—they may spark fresh collaborations or inspire others. 💸 Finance Keep spending in check. While creative projects entice investment, stick to your budget. A careful financial review ensures your ideas stay grounded. 🌿 Health & Mindfulness Mental well-being thrives when you embrace rest. Meditation, journaling, or a soothing bath can help you stay centered. Balance your powerful mind with calming self-care. 🌈 Other Focus This is a day of intuitive insight and inspired dreaming. Listen to your inner voice—through art, music, or gentle introspection, let it guide you toward greater clarity.
