The IIT is again paving its way in the headlines of traditional and digital media of the nation. After consecutive occurrences of suicides in the IITs of Powai and Chennai, the latter institution is again witnessing the same lately. Teachers, students, and the authority are been questioned every time for rounds of inspection to know the underlying causes that can be attributed to such tragedies.
IIT Madras Mourns the Loss of Promising Scholar
The recent life that was lost had been an eminent scholar. With an exemplary academic record, Sachin Kumar Jain, a 32-year-old hailing from West Bengal was pursuing his Ph.D. at IIT Madras. Before quitting he had reportedly posted a WhatsApp status stating that he is not good enough. Truly, this comes as a shock to several netizens. For a scholar doubting self-worth is surely a big deal.
Besides skyrocketing academic records in eminent institutions like IITs, expectations follow suit. Unfortunately in this entire process, mental health considerably takes a back seat. Curriculums emphasizing individuals and performance-based assessment have demanded modification for a long time. The recently launched NEP 2020, is considered questionable in its ability to resolve this crisis.
Sachin’s case has been reportedly registered under the Velacherry police station. The body has also been sent for autopsy and other formalities. A statement has been issued by IIT Madras extending condolences and grief to the family members of the deceased. It was quite appreciating of the institution to respect the privacy of the family members as issued in its statements.
The recent consecutive incidents of suicides in IITs have led to the formulation of special cells to investigate the cases about the probable reasons that could have led to such tragedies. The loss of such lives is not only detrimental to human production but also to the loss of valuable human capital. A favorable academic environment is a prerequisite for favorable academics. The statement of self-doubt that Jain raises is reflective of a lack of self-conviction and individuality despite being a scholar holding an exemplary academic record.
Consecutive IIT deaths have marked the institutions in averse limelight. Needless to say, the loss of student life takes a toll on both the institutions as well as more significantly on the families. These institutions are aimed by many individuals to welcome a bright future that would suffice the academic interests of any individual. Thus, sufficient efforts ought to be adequately effective in assisting students to enable them to tide through the academic pressure.
