The recent tragic incident involving Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepali student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), has brought significant attention to the university’s mental health policies and support systems. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the incident, the university’s existing mental health initiatives, and the broader implications for student welfare.
Incident Overview
On February 16, 2025, Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student from Nepal, was found deceased in her hostel room at KIIT, Bhubaneswar. Preliminary reports suggest that she faced continuous harassment from a fellow student, which may have contributed to her taking this drastic step. The incident led to widespread protests by Nepali students on campus, alleging negligence on the part of the university administration in addressing her complaints. The situation escalated when the university reportedly ordered all Nepali students to vacate the campus, a directive that was later rescinded following diplomatic interventions and public outcry.
KIIT’s Mental Health Policies
KIIT has established several policies and support structures aimed at promoting student mental health and well-being:
- Mental Health Care Services: The university emphasizes early consultation, counseling, and treatment to prevent serious health issues. Students can book appointments with consultants at the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) to discuss any concerns.
- Student Counseling Cell: This cell provides opportunities for students to understand and address feelings, behaviors, and situations that may be problematic. Information about students facing challenges is often relayed to the counseling cell through Deans, Directors of various schools, and hostel authorities.
- Disability Access Schemes: KIIT is committed to ensuring that disabilities do not pose barriers to students and staff. The university has clear policies for accessibility in its physical environment, admissions, and support for differently-abled individuals.
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Services: The university offers services related to sexual and reproductive health, ensuring students have access to necessary information and care.
- Anti-Ragging Measures: An active anti-ragging cell is in place to address and prevent instances of ragging, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
Analysis and Implications
Despite the existence of these support systems, the incident involving Prakriti Lamsal raises critical questions about their effectiveness and accessibility:
- Awareness and Accessibility: It’s imperative to assess whether students are adequately informed about the available mental health resources and if they feel comfortable accessing them.
- Responsiveness to Complaints: The allegations of harassment and the subsequent administrative response suggest potential gaps in the university’s mechanisms for addressing student grievances promptly and effectively.
- Cultural Sensitivity: The directive to vacate issued to Nepali students indicates a need for more culturally sensitive approaches in crisis management, especially concerning international students.
- Preventive Measures: The incident underscores the necessity for proactive measures, such as regular mental health workshops, peer support programs, and continuous evaluation of existing policies to ensure they meet students’ needs.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of Prakriti Lamsal serves as a somber reminder of the importance of robust, accessible, and effective mental health support systems within educational institutions. While KIIT has established several initiatives aimed at promoting student well-being, this incident highlights the urgent need for a thorough review and enhancement of these policies. Ensuring that students are aware of, and feel comfortable accessing, mental health resources is paramount. Moreover, fostering a responsive and culturally sensitive administrative environment is essential to address and prevent such tragedies in the future.
