A death at IIT-Delhi and the many invisible struggles on campus
Rishikesh Kumar's suicide at IIT-Delhi highlights a severe mental health crisis within hyper-competitive institutions, the eighth such death since 2023. Despite IITs' diversity and well-being efforts, students face immense pressure, leading to burnout and alienation post-admission. The text argues mental health struggles stem from institutional culture, not solely individual histories, questioning why resilient students falter. It urges educators to rethink the competition culture, prioritizing student well-being. The goal is to cultivate environments where ambition and mental health coexist, fostering thriving young people beyond mere high achievement.
Indian Express · Editorial · Aug 27, 2026 at 12:35 AM