IIT-Kharagpur is once again under scrutiny following the tragic death of a student, Chandradip Pawar, marking the fifth unnatural fatality on campus this year. The alarming frequency of student deaths has sparked serious concerns over student well-being, mental health support, and institutional response mechanisms.
Pawar, a postgraduate student from Maharashtra, was found dead in his hostel room under circumstances authorities are still investigating. While the police have not yet confirmed the cause of death, preliminary reports suggest possible suicide, a grim pattern echoed in several previous cases at the prestigious institute.
Discussions about the mental health crisis afflicting India’s best engineering schools have been rekindled by this most recent incident. Critics contend that vulnerable students are being put in risk by the pressure-cooker environment, inadequate counselling resources, and the stigma associated with mental health.
Students and alumni have responded by demanding immediate changes, including as mentorship programmes, round-the-clock psychiatric care, and a thorough examination of school regulations. The administration of IIT-Kharagpur is under increasing pressure to put student safety first and promote a more compassionate academic environment as the investigations go on.
