Tension gripped the campus of the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kurukshetra, late last night after a girl student allegedly threatened and tried to jump off the hostel building. However, she was pacified and timely stopped by her friends.
The girl, who belongs to Maharashtra, is said to be under stress due to the recent suicides at the institute. The NIT-Kurukshetra has witnessed four suicide cases over the last two months, due to which students had been feeling depressed. An official at NIT said the girl had already been receiving treatment for stress-related issues.
As per information, around 11.40 last night, the girl left a message in a WhatsApp group and reached the fifth floor of the hostel. However, she was timely stopped. In a video circulated on social media, the girl can be heard expressing her resentment saying, “Nobody is concerned about those who committed suicide earlier. People will talk about them for some days, and then they will forget everything.”
After getting information, the officials from the NIT administration and Kurukshetra police reached the spot. The girl was pacified and also taken to a hospital for a checkup. Later, she was sent back to the hostel.
Meanwhile, in view of the prevailing situation at the institute, the NIT decided to announce holidays for students of UG, PG and PhD, until further notice.
As per the notice issued by the Registrar In-charge, the students are required to vacate their hostels by Sunday. The revised examination schedule, including practical examinations, will be communicated in due course. Students are advised to stay updated through the institute’s website for further announcements.
NIT in-charge Public Relations Gian Bhushan said the girl was stressed due to the recent incidents, and that is why she reacted in such a manner. She is completely fine now and her parents have been informed.
Professor Brahmjit Singh said, “The digital media is taking the children towards loneliness. Their interaction with their friends and parents has decreased. The NIT has been making every effort to get to know about the issues of students, so that appropriate action can be taken. No academic reason has come to light so far. A mentorship programme has been launched. The head of the departments have been told to address the academic issues of the students. Efforts are also being made to bridge the gap, if there is any, between the institute and the parents.”
To media queries, he said “The higher aspirations and peer pressure also create trouble sometimes. Motivational seminars will be organised for the students. The NIT is taking various measures for the well-being of the students.”
