Following the passing of Darshan Solanki, a freshman at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, the institute declared that it has been implementing various measures to look after the mental health of its students. IIT Bombay also stated that it is making efforts to alter its BTech program in order to reduce stress.
He stated that they are taking steps to renovate the undergraduate curriculum, commencing with the 2022 cohort, to make it more stimulating and less stressful for students. He also asked for input from students, parents, and other involved parties to avoid similar tragic situations in the future.
Subhasis Chaudhuri, the director of IITB, sent out an email to all students of the institute in response to the death of an IIT Bombay student. He stated that both the Mumbai police and the institute are doing their utmost to determine what led to the tragedy. The police have questioned many people and have taken away the student’s phone and laptop for further examination.
In addition, the institute has also initiated their own inquiry led by Nand Kishore, the former Chief Vigilance Officer. The committee comprises of SC, ST student cell members that include teachers and students, a few of the student mentor coordinators, and the Chief Medical Officer in charge of IITB Hospital.
The committee is engaging with anyone who might possess pertinent details. If you have any data that you think could be pertinent, please make contact with the committee by either meeting with one of the committee members, or by emailing Prof. Nand Kishore (nandk@chem.iitb.ac.in) or to Powai Police,” IIT Bombay director requested.
At IIT-B, Subhasis Chaudhuri provided a briefing on the current support systems and advised the students to refer to the SC, ST students’ cell for any questions or issues of discrimination. Information about the student cell is included in the new orientation. Furthermore, a strict policy on discrimination by faculty is enforced, and on the first day, the students are strongly warned against any form of discrimination. Additionally, they are made aware of the need to not ask for personal information such as entrance exam rankings.
An active student mentor program has been implemented to ensure the mental well-being of students. Anisha Mathews, leading the Student Wellness Centre, is encouraging students to reach out to the Student Counselors for any help they need.
