GUWAHATI, Sept 11: Students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati withdrew their protest after a meeting between the Student Gymkhana Council and IIT Guwahati Director, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, on Wednesday.
The agitation began on Monday evening following the death of a student in his room at Brahmaputra Hostel earlier that morning. According to the protesting students, the incident occurred due to immense academic pressure and mental harassment imposed by the administration.
The students raised concerns about the mental well-being of the student body and the role of the administration in creating a stressful academic environment. The administration has been urged to take immediate steps to address these issues and improve support for students struggling with mental health challenges.
IIT Guwahati Director, Prof Devendra Jalihal, held a four-hour-long meeting with the Student Gymkhana Council, during which he assured the protesting students that four administration members would resign within a week. The officials in question are Prof. KV Krishna (Dean of Academic Affairs), Prof. Rajkumar Thummer (Vice-Chairperson, Hostel Affairs Board Services), Prof. Bithiah G. Jaganathan (Associate Dean of Students Affairs), and Prof. Rakhi Chaturvedi (Head of the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering).
KV Krishna (Dean of Academic Affairs) has already announced publicity his decision to resign from the post.
A student at IIT Guwahati emphasized that the agitation was leaderless but effectively organized, with key concerns being addressed. “We had the protest under no leadership. But all the points raised and addressed properly were noted by representatives of the Student Gymkhana Council during the open house itself,” the student explained.
The council documented the policy changes assured by Director Prof Devendra Jalihal during the open house meeting, and these changes were formally signed by the Director in the meeting held on Wednesday.
The student confirmed that the protest has been suspended with immediate effect, after productive discussions with the IIT Guwahati administration.
According to the rules of IIT Guwahati, the Student Gymkhana Council serves as the official representative body for students in meetings with the administration. This council acts as a liaison between the student community and the institution’s authorities, ensuring that student concerns and issues are formally addressed at the official level.
In an official statement, IIT Guwahati authorities expressed their acknowledgement of the distress caused by the recent tragic death of a student on campus. The release stated, “It acknowledges the deep distress caused by the recent unfortunate incident of a student death on campus and understands the concerns of the student community. The well-being of everyone remains our top priority, and we are fully committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all.”
The IIT Guwahati authorities emphasized their commitment to addressing the concerns raised by students in the wake of the recent student death on campus. The statement acknowledged the distress the incident caused and highlighted the steps being taken to ensure student well-being. It noted that “the institute is taking the issues raised by the students seriously.” It detailed the efforts of the Director, who had a lengthy one-on-one discussion with students to understand and address their concerns.
The statement confirmed that the Dean involved had submitted his resignation, which the administration has received and is currently discussing internally. A decision regarding the resignation will be made soon.
The institute also outlined several measures to prevent future tragedies, including, enhanced wellbeing services, peer support networks, review of safety protocols, awareness initiatives and open communication channels.
The administration urged students to seek support if they are feeling overwhelmed, stressing that their well-being is the institute’s top priority.
Finally, the statement requested students to refrain from further protests and focus on maintaining academic continuity, urging them to return to classrooms and utilize available support resources. The aim is to create a more positive and productive learning environment moving forward.
