IIT-Kanpur Suicide Flags the Silent Crisis in India’s PhD Programmes
The recent suicide of a PhD scholar at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has brought to light the alarming mental health crisis within India’s higher education system. This tragic incident has prompted the Ministry of Education (MoE) to form a three-member high-level committee aimed at investigating institutional compliance with mental health guidelines and recommending measures to prevent further tragedies. However, for doctoral scholars across the country, this incident is a stark reminder of a pervasive system that often pushes students to their breaking points.
The Toxic Culture of PhD Programs
PhD scholars at IITs, central universities, and private institutions describe a challenging environment characterized by significant power imbalances, precarious funding, and a culture that often demands extreme dedication. Many students report a near-total dependence on their supervisors for academic survival, which can lead to prolonged psychological distress due to the absence of effective grievance redressal mechanisms.
Impact of Supervision Style
A research paper titled Examining Toxic Supervision in Higher Education in India, authored by Mohammad Ghazi Shahnawaz and Nasrina Siddiqi, highlights the detrimental effects of supervision style on doctoral students’ mental health. The authors note that supervision style is a critical factor contributing to mental health crises among doctoral researchers. The findings indicate that many students experience serious psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Prevalence of Mental Health Issues
According to the research, debilitating mental health conditions are alarmingly common among PhD students. Many scholars reported episodes of emotional breakdown, feelings of being trapped, and experiences of discrimination. The PhD journey is often viewed as emotionally exhausting, leading to a significant toll on mental health.
Power Dynamics and Dependency
Dr. Nasrina Siddiqi emphasizes that the structural dependence inherent in doctoral programs exacerbates mental health issues. PhD scholars rely heavily on their supervisors for everything from selecting research topics to securing funding. This dependency creates a skewed power dynamic that is frequently exploited by supervisors, leaving students feeling powerless and vulnerable.
Experiences at IIT Kanpur
At IIT Kanpur, students have shared their experiences regarding the detrimental effects of these power dynamics. One PhD scholar recounted how a friend’s thesis submission has been repeatedly delayed by their supervisor, with vague justifications that left the student feeling frustrated and helpless.
The Burden of Unpaid Labor
Students in lab-based disciplines often face grueling schedules, with expectations to work up to 16 hours a day. Even when they enter extension periods without pay, the demands remain unchanged. Additionally, students frequently report being asked to perform unpaid personal tasks for faculty members, such as running errands or assisting with family obligations. These practices are often normalized and go unchallenged.
Case Study: JNU and Political Targeting
The experience of Nazar Mohammad Mohaideen, a PhD student at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), illustrates how academic vulnerability can intersect with political targeting. After being physically attacked during a campus event, Nazar faced significant academic repercussions, including withheld stipends and denied access to labs. His supervisor labeled him a “security threat,” which severely impacted his academic progress.
Legal Intervention
After nearly a year of uncertainty, Nazar sought legal recourse and won relief from the Delhi High Court. However, he ultimately decided to leave India for further studies, highlighting a troubling trend where students face systemic harassment that can lead to forced dropouts. This situation is compounded by a political climate that often fails to protect students’ rights.
The Opaque Nature of Academic Processes
Women scholars, in particular, face additional challenges due to the opacity of academic processes. One PhD student at a private university reported that her supervisor’s control over administrative matters delayed her progress significantly. She experienced a maternity break that was not recognized, resulting in lost time and further frustration.
Pressure to Publish
Research scholars often feel pressured to publish academic papers under their supervisor’s name, which adds another layer of stress to their already demanding workloads. This pressure can detract from their own research goals and contribute to feelings of inadequacy.
Conclusion
The systemic issues facing PhD scholars in India, as highlighted by the tragic suicide at IIT Kanpur, reveal a pressing need for reform in higher education. Addressing the toxic culture, power dynamics, and lack of support systems is essential for protecting the mental health and well-being of students. As the Ministry of Education takes steps to investigate these issues, it is crucial that the academic community advocates for meaningful changes to create a healthier environment for future scholars.
Note: The challenges faced by PhD students in India are complex and multifaceted, necessitating a comprehensive approach to reform and support.
