The death of another student at the BITS Pilani, Goa campus last week has once again put the spotlight on issues within an institution, this time, prompting a wider view of issues plaguing students. The 20-year-old Kushagra Jain’s death, which reportedly occurred in his sleep, represents the fourth campus tragedy in eight months, prompting pressing inquiries about the atmosphere, mental health resources, and the accountability of the institution.
While reports indicate that Jain died in his sleep, the precise circumstances are still being investigated, and the cause of death has yet to be determined. The previous three deaths, linked to suicides due to academic pressures, presented a troubling narrative regarding the impact of relentless stress and high expectations on students. However, Jain’s death prompts us to consider factors beyond academic pressure. It highlights the necessity to scrutinize the larger campus culture that may be creating an environment in which students feel trapped, isolated, or unsupported.
Goa is home to several prestigious colleges and institutes, but the situation that has unfolded at BITS Pilani needs to be pondered. Why do such extreme cases happen at this institute, and why not elsewhere? The concentration of these tragedies at BITS invites inquiries about its distinctive institutional culture, policies, and support mechanisms. Are there systemic problems within BITS that intensify stress? Is there a culture that deters students from seeking assistance or discussing mental health issues openly? Or does the competitive atmosphere generate feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness? Or are there issues beyond academics? These questions require deep reflection from the administration, and a superficial reshuffling of protocols will not help in the long run. The pattern suggests that issues require further attention.
Adding to the worry is the lack of transparency regarding these incidents. The comprehensive report submitted to the Governor in May, which included the three suspected suicides, has not been made public. Transparency is crucial in addressing systemic problems; keeping such reports hidden only breeds suspicion and hinders constructive discussion. When stakeholders — parents, students, staff, and the broader community — are left uninformed, it obstructs efforts to effect meaningful changes. The silence surrounding the report suggests a disconnect between the institution's internal measures and the community's right to be informed and involved in protecting student welfare.
The recurring tragedies, despite announced initiatives such as curriculum reforms, flexible examinations, and wellness courses, imply that these actions are either inadequate or poorly executed. Inadequate counseling resources, ineffective mental health frameworks, and a culture that stigmatises seeking help are significant obstacles that must be urgently addressed. In recent times, there have been cases of narcotics being consumed around campuses, although several managements have kept it under wraps to protect the image of respective institutes. The BITS scenario serves as a crucial reminder that elite institutions are not immune to issues and that the inability to tackle these problems can have disastrous outcomes. There is a need for a fundamental cultural transformation, keeping in mind empathy and support, and genuine student-oriented reforms.
The death of Kushagra Jain, along with the preceding tragedies, illustrates a critical necessity for systemic reflection. BITS Pilani must address the foundational campus culture that may be exacerbating student distress. In the pursuit of excellence, an institute cannot overlook situations because these could only vitiate the environment.
