Following multiple unnatural deaths in its hostels, IIT Kharagpur has appointed 10 additional counsellors to actively engage with students and researchers to identify mental distress. The move comes after the institute recorded its fifth suspected student suicide this year.

“These counsellors will move across campus, interact with students in a friendly, approachable manner, and discuss their challenges both individually and in groups,” IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty was quoted as saying. “No one can read the mind of a youth, but with proactive engagement, we can assess and support students who may be struggling.”

The latest death occurred on September 20, when 27-year-old PhD scholar Harshkumar Pandey from Ranchi was found hanging in his hostel room at BR Ambedkar Hall. Pandey was pursuing a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering.

Chakraborty, who also serves as Dean of Students’ Well-Being and had introduced the ‘Setu’ mobile app for mental health support, noted that “overthinking and anxiety have affected a section of our young generation, making them apprehensive about exams and career prospects.”

The institute has a fact-finding team reviewing the cases of student deaths and will meet later this week to examine measures to prevent further tragedies.

“Initiatives like the Board of Hope and the creation of a Dean of Students’ Well-Being reaffirm that no student here is ever alone,” Chakraborty said. “We are committed to building a compassionate ecosystem that listens, supports, and uplifts every member of our community.”

To provide immediate assistance, every hostel room now features a scannable barcode linking to a 24/7 counselling helpline. The new “mobile counsellors” will also visit sports clubs, hostels, and other student gathering points to proactively identify individuals under stress and offer timely support.