Archive · 9 Nov 2025
IIT Kharagpur Holds Online Induction for Parents Amid Student Deaths
Imagine a big school called IIT Kharagpur.
Some students have been very sad and have died.
The school's boss thinks parents might be putting too much pressure on their kids to do well.
So, the school is talking to the parents online.
They want to explain that it's okay for students to not be perfect and that the school is trying to help them feel better.
They have new helpers, like friends called 'Dosts', and more people to talk to if students are sad.
They are also making sure students won't get in trouble if they miss a few classes, so they don't worry too much about attendance.
The school hopes that by talking to parents and helping students, fewer sad things will happen.
IIT Kharagpur is hosting an online induction program for parents of first-year students on November 11.
The program aims to address increasing anxiety over student deaths on campus, with five students dying between January and September.
A panel identified parental pressure as a cause of student stress, prompting the institute to engage parents regularly.
IIT Kharagpur has implemented measures including revamped counseling, a 'Dosts' program, and a waiver on de-registration for attendance to support student mental well-being.
The Supreme Court has previously questioned IIT Kharagpur about the recurring student suicides.
- Who
- IIT Kharagpur
- What
- Holding an online induction program for parents of first-year students to address concerns about student deaths and mental well-being.
- When
- November 11, with parents divided into slots over three days.
- Where
- Online
- Why
- To alert parents about the causes of stress among students, including parental pressure, and to inform them about institutional mechanisms to improve student mental well-being.
IIT's Approach
Concerns and Criticisms
Parental Involvement
IIT's Approach
IIT Kharagpur is proactively engaging parents through induction programs to alleviate pressure and improve student mental well-being, emphasizing regular interaction and institutional mechanisms.
Concerns and Criticisms
Despite IIT's efforts, student deaths continue, raising questions about the effectiveness of these measures and suggesting that parental pressure, even if addressed, remains a significant factor in student stress.
Addressing Student Stress
IIT's Approach
The institute is implementing multiple strategies, including revamped counseling facilities, 'Dosts' for peer support, and removing de-registration for lack of attendance, to reduce academic and attendance-related stress.
Concerns and Criticisms
The Supreme Court has questioned IIT Kharagpur directly about the recurring student deaths, implying that current measures may be insufficient to address the root causes of distress within the institution.
- Institute
- IIT Kharagpur
- Event
- Second phase of online induction programme for parents of first-year students
- Date
- November 11
- Number of Parents Targeted
- 1,500
- Student Deaths (Jan-Sep)
- 5
- Measures Taken
- Parental induction programs, revamped on-campus counselling, appointment of Dean of Students' Wellbeing, 'Dosts' program, waiver of de-registration for lack of attendance.