In response to a spate of suicides on campus, IIT Kharagpur has appointed 10 new professional counsellors to strengthen its mental health support network. The initiative is aimed at proactively identifying signs of stress and depression among students and researchers at the country’s premier engineering institution.

This year alone, IIT Kharagpur has reported six unnatural student deaths — five by suicide and one by accidental choking on medicine.

IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty said the institute had counselors earlier as well, but the new additions will allow for closer engagement with students. “They will roam around the campus, become friends with the students and listen to their problems,” he explained.

The most recent case was the 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.

“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,” Chakraborty added.

Addressing academic pressure

The director acknowledged that many young people today suffer from “excessive worry”, particularly about examinations and career prospects. He said the new counselors will work to ease these anxieties through both individual and group sessions.

To make mental health resources more accessible, IIT Kharagpur has introduced QR codes on hostel doors, which connect students to 24-hour counselling services. Other initiatives include the ‘Setu’ mobile app, the ‘Board of Hope’ project, and programs under the Dean of Students’ Well-Being.

Counsellors to reach students

Recognising that many introverted students may be reluctant to seek help, the institute is deploying these “mobile” counselors 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 repeated tragedies casting a shadow over the campus, IIT Kharagpur hopes its expanded counselling network will help students cope with academic stress and emotional distress before crises escalate.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share