IIT Guwahati Student’s Suicide Highlights Mental Health Crisis

The recent suicide of a third-year B.Tech student at IIT Guwahati has brought attention to the growing mental health issues among students at prestigious institutions. The student, who was struggling with mental trauma after being barred from internships due to a minor attendance shortfall, was found dead in his hostel, marking the fourth suicide at the institute this year.

Fellow students revealed that the victim faced significant pressure after being marked as having failed due to attendance shortage, despite passing the exam. This led to his disqualification from campus internships, further exacerbating his mental distress. Despite seeking help from the campus mental health support cell, the assistance provided was deemed inadequate by his peers.

Experts emphasize that merely having support cells in educational institutions is not enough; these resources must be accessible and effectively engage students. The alarming rise in student suicides at IITs underscores the urgent need for better mental health support and intervention.