Following the tragic death of a 21-year-old B.Tech student at IIT-Guwahati, Professor Kanduru V. Krishna, the institute’s academic dean, resigned amidst growing tensions and protests. The deceased student, originally from Uttar Pradesh and pursuing Computer Science and Engineering, was found hanging in his hostel room on September 9. This incident has ignited significant unrest among students, who accused the institute of fostering a “toxic environment.”
In response to the incident, hundreds of students gathered in protest outside the administration building, demanding Professor Krishna’s resignation. The students blamed excessive academic pressure, particularly citing strict attendance policies, as a key factor in the student’s death. One protester claimed that despite high exam scores, nearly 200 students had failed due to low attendance, raising concerns about the institute’s policies.
As the protests intensified, IIT-Guwahati authorities accepted Professor Krishna’s resignation. Professor Krishna, an alumnus of IIT Delhi with a Ph.D. in General Algebra and Theoretical Computer Science, had served as academic dean and was known for his research work.
In the wake of the protests, IIT-Guwahati issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the student’s death and reaffirming their commitment to student well-being. The institute extended condolences to the student’s family and urged the campus community to seek support in maintaining a safe and nurturing environment.
The incident has raised broader concerns about mental health in high-pressure academic institutions like IITs. Helplines and support services for those struggling with mental health issues have been listed as part of the effort to promote awareness and prevent similar tragedies.
