IIT Kanpur expands mental health center with ten professional psychologists

IIT Kanpur has strengthened its Centre for Mental Health Wellbeing by appointing 10 full-time professional psychologists trained to handle serious and complex mental health issues.

A clinical head, who is a psychiatrist, will oversee all clinical activities at the center, supported by three empanelled psychiatrists to ensure specialized care and continuity, the institute said.

The announcement follows the death of a 25-year-old PhD scholar, Ramswroop Ishram, from the Department of Earth Sciences, who allegedly jumped from the sixth floor of a campus residential building on the afternoon of Jan 20, police said.

No suicide note was found. This is the third such incident at IIT Kanpur in the past four months, according to a senior police official.

As a preventive measure, all incoming undergraduate and postgraduate students will undergo mental health screening during their first week on campus.

Students identified as moderate or high risk will receive follow-up from trained counsellors for assessment, early intervention, and referral to psychiatrists when required, ensuring structured care from the outset.

The institute will also hold regular sensitization workshops for faculty, students, and staff, including security personnel, health center staff, library personnel, hall managers, mess teams, and cleaning staff, to equip everyone interacting with students to identify distress and respond appropriately.

IIT Kanpur has established a 24/7 emergency mental health support system through coordination between the Centre for Mental Health Wellbeing and the Health Centre, ensuring immediate response during crises and timely psychological and medical care.

The institute conducts awareness programs and student engagement activities throughout the academic year, including World Mental Health Day events, festival celebrations, and activities such as run fests to foster community and connection.

Peer mentoring has been formalized for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, allowing senior students to guide new entrants as they adjust to campus life.

Meanwhile, student suicides accounted for 7.6% of all suicide cases reported in India in 2022, slightly down from 8.0% in 2021 and 8.2% in 2020.

The data, from the Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) report by the National Crime Records Bureau, was shared by Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar in response to a written question in the Lok Sabha.