Mental health concerns at IISc after student self-harm incident

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The call for a wellequipped and responsive wellness centre at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru has intensified following an incident in which a third-year undergraduate student reportedly inflicted harm upon himself on campus. This incident, which took place just before IISc's 'Open Day,' has raised significant concerns regarding the institute's approach to student mental health and potential administrative oversight.

Incident details: According to students and hostel staff, the student had been in distress for several days. Hostel workers had alerted the hostel office about his deteriorating condition three days prior, but no action was taken. “On the day of the incident, the student was found with self-inflicted injuries and in a visibly distressed state. Hostel staff attempted to calm him down for nearly 40 minutes, but the campus security, despite being informed, allegedly failed to intervene effectively.

No medical professionals from IISc’s health or wellness centres arrived to assist,” according to a statement by the All India Students’ Association (AISA). AISA condemned the administration’s handling of the situation, stating, “IISc’s criminal negligence of student lives must be addressed. We demand accountability, the resignation of those responsible, and an end to this callous disregard for student welfare.” The student was eventually restrained by hostel staff and taken to Ramaiah Hospital. However, students who accompanied him alleged that the IISc administration abandoned him there without a designated caregiver or translator. Concerns were also raised about the police’s conduct at the hospital. The student’s sister was allegedly pressured to sign a statement in Kannada that did not fully reflect his experience.

AISA claimed that the translated version omitted key details, particularly the student’s assertion that IISc’s “intense academic pressure and toxic competitive culture” had contributed to his distress. His family revealed that he had no prior history of mental health struggles before joining IISc but had faced difficulties adapting to its rigorous academic environment. Despite being given the option to drop out, he chose to continue.

This incident has reignited discussions about IISc’s approach to student mental health. While the institute conducts mental health workshops, students argue that these initiatives fail to address the root causes of stress on campus. IISc has faced similar cases in the past, raising concerns about the adequacy of its support systems.