Pressure at home to drop research tied to suicide - NYOOOZ

Pressure at home to drop research tied to suicide

• TNIE Chennai Fri,15 Jul 2016

Summary: Maheshwari (34), doing research in Chemistry, was found hanging dead in her hostel room at around 5 pm on Wednesday. Meanwhile, G Vijayalakshmi (47), wife of an Assistant Professor at IIT-Madras, also committed suicide on Wednesday in the campus quarters. While it was believed that a suicide note was recovered from Maheswari’s room, police officers denied the claim. 

CHENNAI: It could have been family pressure against continuing studies that forced P Maheshwari to commit suicide in her hostel room on Wednesday, say police investigating the death of the post-doctoral research scholar at IIT-Madras. She had very recently visited her family in Puducherry and had returned to the campus only on Tuesday.

 Maheshwari (34), doing research in Chemistry, was found hanging dead in her hostel room at around 5 pm on Wednesday. She was married to Pandiarajan, who is an HOD in a private college near Puducherry, for 12 years and the couple have a 10-year-old son. The father and son are living in Puducherry. 

Based on inquiries with family members, disharmony in family is suspected by police to be the motivation as they had objected to Maheshwari living separately to pursue her research. “A relative of the victim told us that her family scolded her for not staying with them and taking care of the child,” said a police source privy to the case. However, the family members, speaking to Express on Thursday, denied the version and said Maheswari did not have any issues with them.

While it was believed that a suicide note was recovered from Maheswari’s room, police officers denied the claim. However, police said that they had recovered a broken cellphone from the room and were collecting details on the calls made by her on Wednesday. Maheswari had been staying in Chennai for the last one year to pursue her fellowship at IIT-Madras. She had very recently visited her family in Puducherry and had returned to the campus only on Tuesday. Meanwhile, G Vijayalakshmi (47), wife of an Assistant Professor at IIT-Madras, also committed suicide on Wednesday in the campus quarters. 

Two Suicides in a Day at IITM

Two Suicides in a Day at IITM

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Four suicides in a year: What is wrong with IIT Madras? - Financial Express

Four suicides in a year: What is wrong with IIT Madras?

Four people including two students and a research scholar have committed suicide on IIT Madras campus since September last year. The latest deaths took place within three hours on Wednesday, raising serious questions over the premier institute's functioning

By: Rajeev Kumar | New Delhi | Published: July 14, 2016 1:25 PM

The institute this year was ranked first among several other similar research and teaching institutions in engineering.

Four people including two students and a research scholar have committed suicide on IIT Madras campus since September last year. The latest deaths took place within three hours on Wednesday, raising serious questions over the premier institute’s functioning

Police suspected “family issues” could have forced two women — a 34-year-old post-doctoral scholar, P Maheswari, and Vijaya Lakshmi (47) — to commit suicide on Wednesday. Earlier, two B Tech students — Rahul G Prasad (22) and N Nagendra Kumar Reddy (21) — had killed themselves in October and September 2015 respectively.

Police sources reportedly said that Laxshmi, wife of a teacher on the campus, was depressed and she had tried to kill herself earlier also. But not much was clear about Maheshwari, who was married and had a son.

In a statement, the institute said, “IIT Madras reports with deep sadness the death of a post-doctoral research scholar in the campus. The scholar’s family has been informed. The institute extends its deep felt condolences to the family and the near and dear ones of the scholar for the unfortunate, untimely and devastating loss.”

However, one cannot stop oneself from wondering if there is something wrong with the institute. In past, there has been several reports claiming that multiple stresses on the campus lead students to commit suicide.

Among the reasons floated for Rahul’s suicide last year were a failed relationship and anxiety about placement, Indian Express reported in September last.

Antariksh Bothale, an IIT Bangalore graduate points out in a Quora post: “Suicide is a complicated thing. It looks like a random incident to an outsider, but it is usually the denouement of a long and complicated story.”

The institute this year was ranked first among several other similar research and teaching institutions in engineering.

Among several pointers including “competitive atmosphere”, “veneer of apathy and general indifference and financial issues”, he says, “There’s the additional complication of the skewed gender ratio. As a freshman you joke about it until it stops being funny, and as a senior you just resign to your fate, but the truth remains that lack of sufficient interaction with the opposite gender can contribute to overall stress.”

Writing about the various reasons leading students to commit suicide, IIT Madras alumni Dileep Patchigolla says on Quora: “The expectations could be quite high when one enters an IIT.”

While there is a “peer pressure” what adds more pressure, he says, is the “the sheer number of talented guys around you. Other top colleges too have quite bright students, but the number of such students is higher in IITs. So the chance of failure is higher in IITs compared to other top colleges.”

Police detain protesters outside IIT-Madras on Tuesday. (Source: PTI photo)

Sharing his experience on the campus, Dileep writes, “…during my stay in IITM, I saw several people getting project extensions at the end of their final year. So they couldn’t finish their graduation in the stipulated time and had to stay longer. This would mean they lose their jobs they got in campus placements. This has infact resulted in the suicide of a person I knew.”

Apart from the multiple stress, some students also get alienated during their stay on the campus due to change in character of students and the entry of first generation learners.

Quoting an MA student, Indian Express said, ” “Even professors who would stand for rights and equality conveniently avoid Dalit students or those who come from poor backgrounds as a delay in completing a thesis or projects would affect their careers too. So many teachers don’t think it is useful to help these students; instead they prefer the best ones. All these realities strengthen the alienation of a section of students who eventually fail to convince themselves about their goals and purpose of life.”

Central Lecture Theatre at IIT-M. (Source: Facebook)

Not only the suicides, the institute has been embroiled in several controversies since the last year.

Here are some of them:

• In May last year, IIT Madras was in the news for for banning Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle (APSC), an independent student body, which triggered a social media campaign and widespread protests. The decision was taken following an anonymous complaint that the student’s body was trying to spread “hatred” against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• More recently the institute was again in the middle of a controversy for organising a closed-door conference on ”Swadesi Indology” led by NRI writer Rajiv Malhotra.
• On Ambedkar Day celebrations this year, the institute had enforced strict rules.
• In February this year, the institute reportedly issued a circular banning all kinds of “political activity” because that is “against the apolitical nature of the institute”.

IIT Madras, 2 Women, Both Mothers, Found Hanging Within 3 Hours - NDTV

IIT Madras, 2 Women, Both Mothers, Found Hanging Within 3 Hours

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Chennai | Agencies | Updated: July 14, 2016 18:21 IST

CHENNAI: 

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HIGHLIGHTS

1. A research scholar, the wife of a professor found hanging at IIT Madras
2. Police say both women committed suicide
3. Investigation on to find out the reason of their death

Two women - a research scholar and the wife of a professor - were found hanging in their rooms at the Indian Institute of Technology or IIT Madras campus on Wednesday.

Police say 34-year-old post-doctoral scholar P Maheswari and 47-year-old Vijaya Lakshmi committed suicide. They were both mothers of young children.

Vijaya Lakshmi's husband Ganesan teaches Physics at the institute. A mother of two, she was found hanging at the family's room inside the campus around 4 pm on Wednesday.

Less than three hours later, the body of P Maheswari was found in her hostel room. She had been married for 12 years and has an 11-year-old son. Sources in the police say she was reportedly "depressed" and had attempted to kill herself earlier as well.

"She was a strong, independent woman," said Ms Maheswari's brother Sathish Kumar, who appeared to be in shock.

While investigations are on to ascertain the exact reason for their deaths, a senior police official said they suspect "family issues" could have led to them taking the extreme step.

Condoling the scholar's death, IIT Madras released a statement yesterday saying "IIT Madras reports with deep sadness the death of a post-doctoral research scholar in the campus. The scholar's family has been informed. The institute extends its deep felt condolences to the family and the near and dear ones of the scholar for the unfortunate, untimely and devastating loss."

The institute added that it is taking "necessary action and extending full cooperation to civil authorities."

IIT Madras had witnessed suicide of two students in September and October last year.

IIT Madras shocker: 2 women commit suicide on campus on same night - India Today

IIT Madras shocker: 2 women commit suicide on campus on same night

Two women decided to end their lives in two separate incidents on the same night. A post doctoral student, Maheswari, 34 years and Varalakshmi, 47 years, were the two who committed suicide.

Akshaya Nath  | Posted by Avarnita Mathur

Chennai, July 14, 2016 | UPDATED 18:01 IST

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras campus was in a state of silence and shock. The generally happening campus was filled with tight security check, following two shocking incidents on the night of July 13, 2016.

Two women decided to end their lives in two separate incidents on the same night. A post doctoral student, Maheswari, 34 years and Varalakshmi, 47 years, were the two who committed suicide.

NO SUICIDE NOTE FOUND

The investigating officials have said that these two separate incidents have happened due to respective personal reasons. However, the police have not found suicide note in both the incidents.

According to police, the post doctoral student's husband is the head of the department of a university in Villupuram and the couple have a 11-year-old son. It is also reported that Varalakshmi, who committed suicide in the staff quarters was the wife of a professor at IIT Madras. Varalakshmi is said to have been depressed about the health of her child who was mentally challenged.

WHAT THE INSTITUTE SAID

IIT Madras officials are shocked by the two incidents and have sent out the following message:

"IIT Madras reports with deep sadness, the death of a post-doctoral research scholar in the campus. The scholar's family has been informed. The institute is taking necessary action and is extending full cooperation to the civil authorities.

The institute extends its deep felt condolences to the family and the near and dear ones of the scholar for the unfortunate, untimely and devastating loss.

We are sure that the media is with us in respecting the privacy of the individual and giving due consideration for the feelings of the bereaved family and friends during this difficult time."

TWO WOMEN FOUND HANGING IN IIT MADRAS - Mumbai Mirror

TWO WOMEN FOUND HANGING IN IIT MADRAS

Mumbai Mirror | Jul 15, 2016, 12.50 AM IST

One is a research scholar and the other a professor's wife; both mothers of young children.

Two women — a research scholar and the wife of a professor — were found hanging in their rooms at the Indian Institute of Technology or IIT Madras on Wednesday. Police said 34-year-old post-doctoral scholar P Maheswari and 47-year-old Vijaya Lakshmi committed suicide within hours of each other. Both were mothers of young children. 

Vijaya Lakshmi's husband Ganesan teaches physics at the institute. A mother of two, she was found hanging at the family's room inside the campus around 4 pm on Wednesday. 

Within three hours, the body of P Maheswari was found in her hostel room. Married for 12 years, she has an 11-year-old son. Sources in the police say she was reportedly "depressed" and had attempted to kill herself earlier as well. "She was a strong and independent woman," said Maheswari's brother Sathish Kumar, who appeared to be in a state of shock. 

While investigations are on to ascertain the exact reason for their deaths, a senior police official said "family issues" could have forced the two women to take the extreme step. 

Condoling the scholar's death, IIT Madras released a statement on Wednesday saying, "IIT Madras reports with deep sadness the death of a post-doctoral research scholar on the campus. The scholar's family has been informed. The institute extends its condolences to the family and the near and dear ones of the scholar for the unfortunate, untimely and devastating loss."

Dual suicides rock IIT Madras campus- New Kerala

Dual suicides rock IIT Madras campus

Posted 2 days ago | IBNS

Chennai, July 14 : A dual suicide on Wednesday rocked the IIT Madras campus as a student and a professor's wife decided to end their respective lives in separate cases, reports stated.

The deceased were identified as P Maheshwari, a 34-year old post doctoral scholar and G Vijayalakshmi, a 47 year-old wife of a Physics professor.

Reports quoted local police officials as saying that Vijaylakshmi was the first to be spotted and as people were coming to terms with the loss another news of a similar incident left them shell-shocked.

Maheshwaris body was spotted hanging at5 pm. She was a hostel resident and a native of Puducherry. The mother of a six-year-old was pursuing a post-doctoral fellowship course in Chemistry.

Meanwhile, issuing a statement, IIT Madras said, The scholars family has been informed. The Institute is taking necessary action and is extending full cooperation to the civil authorities. The Institute extends its deep felt condolences to the family and the near and dear ones of the scholar for the unfortunate, untimely and devastating loss.

A case under Section 174 of CrPC (Criminal Procedure) has been registered by Kotturpuram police.

IIT Madras suicides: Scholars stint would have ended in a week - New Indian Express

IIT Madras suicides: Scholars stint would have ended in a week

By Express News Service

Published: 15th July 2016 06:00 AM

• Maheswari’s husband Pandiyarajan and other relatives wait in front of Royapettah hospital to receive her body, in the city in Thursday | martin louis 

CHENNAI: The suicide of P Maheshwari came as a shock to her family, especially as she was in the final few days of her research fellowship. The post-doctoral research scholar was found hanging in her room in Sabarmathi hostel in IIT-Madras by other students on Wednesday evening around 5 pm.

“Her course was ending by July 22. Even when I visited her two weeks ago, she appeared normal,” Satish Kumar, Maheshwari’s cousin told Express at Government Royapettah Hospital. Maheshwari’s husband Pandiyarajan, Head Of Department (HOD) in a college, and the couple’s 10-year-old son had also come to the hospital where the autopsy was being done.

Satish Kumar said he was informed by another relative who called him up after a person from IIT-M informed the family.

Denying the reports about family conflict behind the suicide, Satish Kumar said, “I am 100 per cent sure it cannot be family reasons. She was a very strong woman and always into studies.”

Growing up in a family rooted in agriculture, she went on to pursue her degrees. Her family was always supportive, Satish said.

“From what we know so far, she went to have breakfast and did not turn up for lunch. Later, when friends went to check on her, they found her hanging,” Satish added.

The family of the other deceased woman, G Vijayalakshmi (47), did not wish to speak. The bodies of both women were handed over to their families after autopsy.

Two suicides in IIT-M - The Hindu

CHENNAI, July 15, 2016

Two suicides in IIT-M

STAFF REPORTER

In two separate incidents, a research scholar and the wife of a professor, both from the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, committed suicide on the campus on Wednesday.

Police sources said that P. Maheswari (34), a post-doctoral research scholar in chemistry, was a resident of Puducherry. She was staying at the Sabarmati hostel on the campus.

On Wednesday, around 4 p.m., she was found hanging. Police sources said that she was married.

In another incident, G. Vijayalakshmi(47), wife of Ganesan, a professor at the institute, was found hanging in their flat.

The police are investigating. Both the bodies have been sent to the Government Royapettah hospital for post-mortem examination.

In a statement, the institution said the family of the research scholar had been informed of the incident and that they are extending full cooperation to the authorities. 

Sneha's suicide prevention helpline is 044 24640050 and the State's helpline is 104.

Tamil Nadu: Two women commit suicide at IIT Madras campus - Sify News

Tamil Nadu: Two women commit suicide at IIT Madras campus

Read more at: http://www.sify.com/news/tamil-nadu-two-women-commit-suicide-at-iit-madras-campus-news-national-qhok0igceccgj.html

Last Updated: Thu, Jul 14, 2016 17:57 hrs

Chennai: Two women, a post doctoral female research scholar and the wife of a professor, allegedly committed suicide at Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IITM) campus on Wednesday.. 

According to police, the victims P Maheshwari, a post doctoral research scholar, and Vijaya Lakshmi, wife of a professor were found hanging at their respective rooms.  Vijaya Lakshmi, wife of Physics professor Ganesan was found hanging at the family room inside the campus around 4 pm. Around three hours later, Maheshwari was found hanging in her hostel room. 

Sources say that Maheshwari, married for 12 years, was depressed and had attempted to kill herself earlier as well. The police are investigating the case to assert the exact reason for the deaths. Reports say that the two women could have committed suicide due to family issues. 

According to IIT-M, it is extending full cooperation to the authorities in investigation and will take the necessary steps. "IIT Madras reports with deep sadness the death of a post-doctoral research scholar in the campus. The scholar's family has been informed. The institute extends its deep felt condolences to the family and the near and dear ones of the scholar for the unfortunate, untimely and devastating loss," said a statement released by IIT Madras.

Two suicides in IIT-Madras: Woman student and wife of professor found dead - First Post

Two suicides in IIT-Madras: Woman student and wife of professor found dead

FP Staff  Jul 14, 2016 08:13 IST

Wednesday was a black day for the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras after two women were found to have allegedly committed suicide on campus

According to a report in The Times of India, 47-year-old Vijayalakshmi, the wife of physics assistant professor Ganeshan, was found hanging inside her quarters around 3 pm. 

Around an hour or so later, a 34-year-old woman research scholar, P Maheshwari was found hanging in her hostel room, the police said, adding that the motive behind Maheshwari taking the extreme step was being probed.

Condoling the scholar's death, IIT-M announced full cooperation to officials in the case.

"IIT-Madras, reports with deep sadness the death of a post-doctoral research scholar in the campus. The scholar's family has been informed. The institute is taking necessary action and extending full cooperation to civil authorities," it said in a statement.

"The institute extends its deep felt condolences to the family and the near and dear ones of the scholar for the unfortunate, untimely and devastating loss," it said without divulging any further details.

Meanwhile, the Times of India report also note that mother-of-two Vijayalakshmi's friends had described her as seeming to be 'depressed and lonely'. After conducting a preliminary investigation, the police stated that she was worried about the health of her elder son and that "she had attempted suicide earlier".

IIT-M had witnessed suicide of two students in September and October last year.

With inputs from PTI

Two suicides in a day shock IIT Madras campus - New Indian Express

Two suicides in a day shock IIT Madras campus

By Express News Service

Published: 13th July 2016 10:30 PM

Two women, a post-doctoral fellow and wife of a professor committed suicide in separate incidents inside the Indian Institute of Technology - Madras (IIT-M) campus on Wednesday.

The victims were identified as P Maheshwari, a 34 year old student and G Vijayalakshmi (47), wife of an Assistant Professor (Physics) there.

According to the police, even as the staff and students could come to terms with the suicide of Vijayalakshmi, who was first spotted hanging, news of another student committing suicide broke out. Vijayalakshmi's husband Ganesan is an Assistant Professor of Physics and the family resided at Warden quarters inside the campus, police said.

Maheshwari, who was staying at room number 814 of Sabarmathi hostel was pursuing a post doctoral fellowship course in Chemistry and was found hanging in her room around 5 pm by her hostel mates, police said. A married woman, Maheshwari is a native of Puducherry and has a six year old son.

Police sources cited 'family issues' as the reason for both the suicides. Kotturpuram Police registered a case of suspicious death under section 174 of CrPC. The bodies were moved to the Government Royapettah Hospital for autopsy.

Meanwhile, in a statement, IIT Madras expressed deep sadness over the death of a post-doctoral research scholar in the campus. "The scholar’s family has been informed. The Institute is taking necessary action and is extending full cooperation to the civil authorities," the statement read, adding "The Institute extends its deep felt condolences to the family and the near and dear ones of the scholar for the unfortunate, untimely and devastating loss."

Two women commit suicide in a day inside IIT Madras campus - Indian Express

Two women commit suicide in a day inside IIT Madras campus

More details awaited.

By: Express Web Desk | New Delhi | Updated: July 14, 2016 10:51 am

Two women committed suicide inside IIT Madras campus on Thursday, according to reports in NDTV. One was a researcher and the other was wife of a professor.

According to police, the body of the research scholar was found hanging in her hostel room. Investigation is underway to find out the reason behind her death. Details of the second death is not yet available.

On Wednesday, IIT Madras released a statement: “IIT Madras reports with deep sadness the death of a post-doctoral research scholar in the campus. The scholar’s family has been informed. The institute extends its deep felt condolences to the family and the near and dear ones of the scholar for the unfortunate, untimely and devastating loss.”

More details awaited.

© The Indian Express Online Media Pvt Ltd

Two suicides in IIT-Madras: Woman student, teacher's wife found hanging - TNN

Two suicides in IIT-Madras: Woman student, teacher's wife found hanging

TNN | Jul 14, 2016, 02.13 AM IST

HIGHLIGHTS

• IIT-Madras campus was shaken on Wednesday by the news of two suicides within a span of an hour
• First one was an assistant professor's wife and the 2nd a post-doctoral research scholar
• Both committed suicide by hanging from the ceiling

Chennai: The IIT-Madras campus was shaken on Wednesday evening by the news of two suicides within a span of an hour, in unrelated incidents. The first one was an assistant professor's wife. the second a post-doctoral research scholar.

Police said physics assistant professor Ganeshan's wife Vijayalakshmi, 47, was found hanging inside her quarters around 3pm. An hour later, P Maheshwari, 34, a post-doctoral research scholar was found dead hanging in Sabarmathi hostel. 

Maheswari's friends, after searching for her for a while, peeped into the hostel room and found her hanging from the ceiling. IIT officials informed the Kotturpuram police who reached the hostel and lowered the body. Police said there was no suicide note, and the reason was not known immediately. Police, after conducting inquiries with her friends, said she was upset that her husband Pandiarajan was not visiting her in the hostel. "Her friends said she appeared to be depressed and lonely," a policeman said.

The campus was already discussing another suicide, that of Vijayalakshmi, a native of Trichy. She too was found hanging. The couple had two children. After making inquiries, police said the assistant professor's wife was worried about the health condition of her elder son. "We are told that she had attempted suicide earlier," a policeman said. The incident came to light when her husband came home in the evening.

Both the bodies have been sent for postmortem at Government Royapettah Hospital. Kotturpuram police have registered cases under CrPc 174 (unnatural death) and are investigating.

Top Comment

Time and again these suicidal deaths prove that Education gives nothing and if literates also do the same thing instead of sharing their personal grievances or problems faced by them to the near and dear who might have given suggestions and counseling and now because of their act the families are the sufferers.

Sankaran Krishnan

Meanwhile in a press statement the IIT Madras that the institute is deeply saddened by the death of a post-doctoral research scholar in the campus. The scholar's family has been informed.The institute is taking necessary action and is extending full cooperation to the civil authorities.

"The institute extends its deep felt condolences to the family and the near and dear ones of the scholar for the unfortunate, untimely and devastating loss," the statement said.