News Reporter
In a significant development at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Professor Kanduru V. Krishna has stepped down from his position as Dean following the tragic death of a 21-year-old B.Tech student. This incident, which marks the third such case at the institution this year, has triggered widespread protests among the student community.
The deceased student, who was pursuing a Computer Science and Engineering degree and hailed from Uttar Pradesh, was found dead in his hostel room on September 9. His untimely death has reignited ongoing debates regarding the high academic pressure faced by students in such elite institutions. Many students are now accusing IIT Guwahati of fostering a "toxic environment" that imposes excessive stress on students.
Shortly after news of the incident broke, protests erupted on the campus. Hundreds of students gathered in front of the administration building, demanding changes to the academic structure and better mental health support. Protesters carried banners and chanted slogans, calling for accountability and reform to address what they see as a worsening crisis.
One student, speaking on the condition of anonymity, pointed to the stringent academic policies as a significant concern. "At least 200 students in our batch failed due to low attendance despite performing well in their exams. This is simply not acceptable. While isolated incidents can be expected, such a large number suggests systemic issues," the student explained.
As the protests grew in intensity, IIT Guwahati officials accepted Professor Krishna’s resignation. Professor Krishna, who is an alumnus of IIT Delhi and holds a Ph.D. in General Algebra and Theoretical Computer Science, has been under pressure due to the institution's academic policies, which many students view as overly harsh.
In response to the tragic incident, IIT Guwahati released a statement expressing deep sorrow and offering condolences to the student's family and friends. The institute reiterated that the well-being of students remains its "top priority" and emphasized the need to strengthen support systems to create a safer and more nurturing environment.
Professor Krishna’s resignation comes at a time when there is growing concern about the mental health challenges faced by students in high-pressure academic environments, particularly in premier institutions like the IITs. With mounting calls for reform, it remains to be seen how IIT Guwahati will address the student body’s demands and prevent further tragedies in the future.
This incident has once again highlighted the need for institutions to prioritize mental health and ensure that students have access to resources that help them cope with the immense pressure they face. The protests at IIT Guwahati serve as a reminder that academic excellence should not come at the cost of students' well-being.