Students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati took to the streets today, protesting against the administration's response to the alarming rise in student suicides on campus.
The students boycotted classes and gathered in large numbers to voice their demands for immediate action following seven tragic deaths by suicide over the past 14 months.
The protesters call for a comprehensive overhaul of the institute's approach to student well-being, reducing academic pressure and improving mental health support services. “We are drowning under immense pressure. There needs to be an immediate reduction in academic load, along with better mental health counselling and support,” said one of the protesting students.
The student body is also demanding greater transparency in the handling of investigations into the deaths. They argue that the administration has been slow in addressing the root causes behind these tragedies, which many believe are tied to the overwhelming academic demands and lack of accessible mental health resources.
NDTV News reports that the IIT Guwahati administration has acknowledged the students' concerns and promised action. A spokesperson for the institute stated that a special committee would be formed to investigate the suicides and review existing support structures.
This protest has sparked a larger conversation about the mental health challenges faced by students at premier academic institutions across the country. Experts are raising concerns over the intense academic pressure that students at IITs and similar institutions endure and the often inadequate mental health services available on campuses.
Calls for reform are growing louder, with many urging educational institutions to prioritise students' mental health and well-being alongside academic excellence. As IIT Guwahati's students continue their protest, the spotlight remains firmly on the administration to deliver timely solutions to prevent further loss of life.
The situation at IIT Guwahati serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust mental health support systems in educational institutions across India.