IIT ISM Dhanbad Student’s Death Highlights Crushing Stress and Parental Expectations
Dhanbad, March 7, 2025 – The death of Tanmay Prajapati, a third-year Electronics Engineering student at IIT ISM Dhanbad, found lifeless in his hostel washroom on Thursday, has cast a spotlight on the relentless academic pressure and towering expectations that weigh heavily on India’s brightest young minds. The 21-year-old from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was discovered in Aquamarine Hostel, with early reports suggesting suicide as a possible cause—a grim reminder of the toll that stress can take on students at elite institutions.
Tanmay’s journey to IIT ISM, one of India’s premier engineering colleges, was a dream fulfilled not just for him but for his family, who saw his admission as a ticket to a secure and prestigious future. Yet, behind the pride of being an IITian lies a reality of grueling schedules, sleepless nights, and the constant demand to excel—pressures often magnified by parents who pin their hopes on their children’s success. “The competition is brutal, and for many, it’s not just about personal ambition but carrying the weight of family expectations,” said a classmate who wished to remain anonymous.
The incident unfolded around 9:45 AM when students, unable to open a locked bathroom door on the ninth floor, alerted security. After breaking in, they found Tanmay unconscious; he was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. While the autopsy report is awaited, whispers of an injection needle found near his body have fueled speculation about how far the stress may have pushed him. DSP Naushad Alam confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, but the discovery has already sparked conversations about the unseen struggles of students like Tanmay.
Friends described Tanmay as a diligent student, juggling coursework, projects, and the looming pressure of placements—a rite of passage for IIT students expected to land high-paying jobs. For many, the path to such success is paved with sleepless nights and anxiety, compounded by parents who see anything less than perfection as failure. “Our parents sacrificed so much to get us here. They expect us to be the best, to make it all worth it,” shared another IIT ISM student. “But sometimes, it feels like we’re drowning.”
This tragedy echoes a growing crisis in India’s top-tier institutions, where the pursuit of academic excellence often overshadows mental health. The IITs, synonymous with brilliance, have seen a disturbing rise in student suicides over the years, with stress, isolation, and familial expectations frequently cited as factors. Tanmay’s death has reignited calls for better counseling services and a cultural shift to ease the burden on students.
As Tanmay’s family travels from Indore to Dhanbad, the IIT ISM community mourns a young life lost too soon. His story is a stark warning: behind the glory of an IIT degree lies a generation stretched to its breaking point, pleading for a chance to breathe.
