In a tragic development, National Law University (NLU), Delhi has reported another student death by suicide within the span of a month. Shah Khushil Vishal, a first-year undergraduate student, took his life on Sunday, marking the second such incident at the esteemed institution in September 2024.

In response to the incident, NLU Delhi has declared September 23 as a non-teaching day to honor the memory of the young student. This latest loss follows the passing of third-year student Amrutavarshiny Senthil Kumar, who also died by suicide earlier this month, raising serious concerns about mental health and student well-being on campus.

Speaking to media, NLU Delhi Registrar Prof. Ruhi Paul emphasized that student well-being is the institution’s top priority. “We are deeply committed to supporting our students and have implemented several measures to ensure their mental and physical health,” Prof. Paul stated. These measures include the appointment of dedicated counsellors, as well as access to a full-time physician and nurse.

In an effort to address the mental health challenges faced by students, NLU Delhi offers 24/7 access to online counseling services through the YourDost platform. According to Prof. Paul, the University is working to expand its mental health team by increasing the number of counsellors available on campus. “Counseling sessions are completely confidential, and we are in consultation with leading psychiatrists to offer further mental health consultancy at no cost to students or staff,” she said.

In the wake of these tragic incidents, the University has formed a committee consisting of senior faculty members. The committee will engage with various stakeholders to explore and implement additional measures aimed at bolstering student well-being and preventing future crises.

The back-to-back losses have triggered a wider conversation about the growing mental health crisis in educational institutions across the country. With the pressures of academic excellence, societal expectations, and personal challenges mounting, universities are now being called upon to take more proactive steps to ensure a supportive and nurturing environment for students.

Mental health professionals are urging institutions to adopt a holistic approach to student welfare that goes beyond reactive measures. There is a growing consensus that academic stress, isolation, and the lack of accessible mental health resources are contributing factors to the rising number of student suicides in India.

For anyone facing mental health challenges, it is crucial to seek help. Helplines such as iCall (9152987821) and Aasra offer vital support for those struggling with emotional crises, suicidal ideation, and trauma.

Key Measures to Address Mental Health at NLU Delhi:

1. Counseling Services: 24/7 access to free online counseling via YourDost.
2. On-Campus Support: Full-time physician, nurse, and an expanding team of mental health professionals.
3. Confidentiality: Counseling services ensure complete confidentiality for students.
4. Ongoing Initiatives: Consultation with psychiatrists and the formation of a faculty committee to further strengthen mental health resources.

The recent incidents have highlighted the urgent need for robust mental health frameworks in universities, reminding society of the importance of fostering a compassionate and understanding educational environment.