IIT Bombay changing UG curriculum to reduce stress; director shares updates on student death case

NEW DELHI: After the untimely death of first-year student Darshan Solanki, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay stated that it has been taking multiple steps over the years to support and protect the mental health of students. IIT Bombay said that it is working towards changing its BTech curriculum to reduce stress.

“We are also working towards changes in our UG curriculum, starting with the batch of 2022, to make it more relevant and motivating to students, and to reduce some of the stress.” He further invited suggestions from students, parents and stakeholders to prevent such unfortunate incidents from happening.

Sharing the latest updates following the IIT Bombay student’s death, the IITB director Subhasis Chaudhuri sent a e-mail to all students of the institute. “The Mumbai police and IIT Bombay are both actively investigating into the environment/incidents/reasons behind the tragic death of Darshan. The police have interviewed a large number of people, and have taken Darshan's phone and laptop for forensic analysis,” he said.

In addition, the institute has also started their own investigation headed by Nand Kishore, who was chief vigilance officer. The committee also includes SC, ST student cell members including both faculty and students, some of the student mentor coordinators and the in-charge chief medical officer of IITB hospital.

“The committee is actively meeting everyone who might have relevant information. If you have any information that you believe may be relevant, please reach out to the committee by either meeting any of the committee members, or by emailing Prof. Nand Kishore (nandk@chem.iitb.ac.in) or to Powai Police,” IIT Bombay director requested.

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IIT-B: Steps taken to prevent discrimination

Briefing about the existing support mechanisms, he said that the students can approach SC, ST students' cell in case of any issues including discrimination. The details regarding such student cell is being informed to students as part of the new orientation.

In a step toward creating an inclusive campus, on the first day at IIT-B, strong warnings against any discrimination are given. “We also sensitize all students to not seek proxy information such as ranks in entrance exams. We have a very strict policy on discrimination by faculty,” Subhasis Chaudhuri stated.

Student mentor programme is being carried out actively to protect the mental health of students. Students are also encouraged to seek support from Student Counselors at the Student Wellness Centre, which is headed by Anisha Mathews.