IIT Kanpur: Second Suicide in 22 Days Raises Alarm Over Student Mental Health

• Ishwar Ram, a PhD student at IIT Kanpur, died by suicide after jumping from the New SBRA building, marking the second such incident in 22 days.
• Despite being married and living on campus with his family, Ram was reportedly struggling with mental pressure and depression, having undergone counseling previously.
• The article highlights the immense academic pressure, high expectations, and fear of showing weakness that lead students to internalize stress and avoid seeking help.
• An IIT Kanpur counselor noted that most suicide victims in the past year had not sought counseling, emphasizing the dangerous silence surrounding mental health.
• Eight suicides have occurred at IIT Kanpur in the last two years, with four deaths in 2025 alone, raising serious questions about the institution's support system for student well-being.

Why It Matters: IIT Kanpur faces a mental health crisis with recurring suicides, highlighting urgent need for better student support.