GNLU mourns suicide of third-year student on campus

A third-year undergraduate student of Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar died by suicide on campus Monday night.

In his honour, the University suspended academic activities and classes for March 18 and held a condolence meeting.

A mail from Vice-Chancellor Prof (Dr) S Shanthakumar to the students reads,

"His passing is an immense loss to our GNLU community, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all those who knew him."

Additionally, the University asked students to prioritise emotional well-being and to not hesitate to seek support. Expressing concern for the students' well-being and encouraging students to reach out to University counsellors, faculty mentors and a helpline for online therapy, the Vice-Chancellor urged students to help friends around them who may be struggling.

The incident has raised concerns among GNLU students regarding the environment on campus and the University's accountability for the same. One student wrote,

"How can the institution promote mental health while simultaneously fostering an environment that actively deteriorates it? How can students be expected to thrive when they are met with hostility from the very people who are supposed to support their academic journey?"

In a response to Bar & Bench's questions, the Vice-Chancellor outlined GNLU's mental health resources which include access to a counsellor, clinical psychologist, and an 24/7 online telehealth service.

He revealed that since 2021, the GNLU Wellness Initiative Cell (GWIC) has focused on organising therapeutic activities on Saturdays which include pottery workshops, journaling sessions and art therapy.

The GWIC comprises 50 student peer representatives who enhance awareness via email and flyers and assist students in times of need.

Prof Shanthakumar further stated that the University has a faculty mentorship programme to receive guidance and support to individual concerns.

"Confidentiality remains a top priority when handling sensitive concerns. The University follows a strict anonymity protocol, ensuring that students feel safe when seeking support," he said in an email to Bar & Bench.

The Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) involves informing the Registrar in cases where mental health concerns are identified based on expert advice. Parents are consulted and the student receives necessary support while maintaining their privacy.

The University has installed suggestion boxes across campus for students to submit grievances anonymously.

When asked about how student grievances are handled, the Vice-Chancellor said,

"We foster an open and transparent communication culture, ensuring that every student can voice their concerns and challenges without any fear of repercussions. As a relatively small university, all students have direct access to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and all the Deans, along with their official email IDs and contact numbers. Students are encouraged to meet them in person or email their grievances."

If you or anyone else you know are facing mental health issues or having suicidal or self-harming thoughts, please access the helpline number given below:

iCall - 9152987821 (Health Helpline - Mon—Sat, 10 AM—8 PM. Languages: English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Assamese, Kashmiri.)

Aasra offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.

24x7 Helpline: 9820466726