In the wake of a series of student suicides on campus, IIT Kharagpur has appointed 10 new professional counsellors to strengthen its mental health support system. Authorities say the initiative is aimed at proactively identifying stress and depression among students and researchers.
This year, the country’s premier engineering institution recorded six unnatural deaths of students.
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty said, “We had counsellors earlier too. But this time 10 more professional counsellors have been appointed. They will roam around the campus, become friends with the students and listen to their problems.”
The move follows the tragic death of Harsh Kumar Pandey (27), a PhD researcher in mechanical engineering from Ranchi, whose body was found in his hostel room on September 20. This marked the fifth case of suicide on the campus this year. Another student died after choking on medicine.
Calling the situation alarming, Chakraborty said, “You can’t understand what’s going on in a student’s mind from outside. If someone is depressed, it can only be understood through conversation. So we have appointed new counsellors who will talk to the students in groups and individually to understand their mental health.”
The director acknowledged that “a section of today’s generation is suffering from excessive worry,” particularly due to pressure from examinations and future career uncertainties.
To improve access to help, the institute has also introduced QR codes on hostel doors that students can scan to connect with 24-hour counselling services. Other measures include the ‘Setu’ mobile app, the ‘Board of Hope’ initiative, and programs under the Dean of Students’ Well-Being.
Recognising that many students, especially introverts, hesitate to seek help, IIT Kharagpur is deploying these “mobile” counsellors to hostels, sports clubs, and student hangouts. “They will interact in a friendly manner and identify who is under mental stress and how to help them,” Chakraborty said.
With suicides casting a long shadow over the campus, the institute hopes its expanded counselling network will help students cope with academic pressure and emotional distress before crises occur.
Also read: Sixth unnatural death at IIT Kharagpur raises concerns
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