IIT Kanpur organises suicide prevention gatekeeper training for faculty, students, staff

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Kanpur) counselling service organised a suicide prevention gatekeeper training’ in partnership with professionals from the Suicide Prevention India Foundation (SPIF) on March 13 and 14. The IIT Kanpur community members were trained in vital skills to support individuals in crisis situations.

The event was attended by 110 selected faculty members, hall managers, doctors, nurses, security personnel, students and IIT Kanpur staff. They were sensitised regarding the importance of identifying warning signs, intervening effectively and connecting individuals with necessary resources. The training sessions also featured interactive workshops and practical exercises.

The participants were provided with valuable insights into suicide prevention strategies and the significance of offering empathetic support. The IIT Kanpur said the institute is committed to promote a supportive, inclusive, and academically empowering environment. It also prioritises the mental and emotional well-being of every individual in the institute community.

Also read IIT Kanpur Suicides: Students protest, demand changes in PhD, MSc thesis review

“IIT Kanpur is nurturing a compassionate community where every individual feels valued and empowered to seek help when needed by emphasising mental health initiatives such as the suicide prevention gatekeeper training,” the institute said. Students can reach out to the Institute Counselling Service and other mental health initiatives on the official website, iitk.ac.in/counsel.

IIT Kanpur students on January 19 had demanded sweeping changes for reviewing research thesis during PhD and masters programmes. The students had asked for revamping the current faculty feedback system and a ‘master's monitoring committee’ ( MMC) on the lines of IIT Kanpur doctoral monitoring committee. In December and January, three students of IIT Kanpur died by suicide.