Prakriti Lamsal Case : A wake up call

Prakriti Lamsal, a 21-year-old B.Tech student from Nepal, was found dead in her hostel room at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar. Protests erupted as students alleged harassment and institutional negligence. The university ordered all Nepali students to vacate, leaving many stranded. Police arrested a male student in connection with the case, while the Nepali Embassy intervened.

Students are expected to excel in every subject, participate in extracurricular activities, and maintain a perfect balance between their personal and academic lives. But the truth is, not every student is able to handle such pressure. The expectations from parents, teachers, and society can be overwhelming. In this case, Prakriti’s death has brought the issue of mental health and academic pressure to the forefront. It’s essential to understand that students need more than just good grades—they also need emotional support, understanding, and the freedom to cope with challenges in their own way.

The incident also raises concerns about how universities handle such situations. In Prakriti’s case, students claimed that there was negligence and harassment from the university authorities, which might have contributed to the build-up of stress. Instead of offering support, some universities might focus more on academic results, forgetting that students are humans with emotions and personal struggles. Academic institutions must create an environment where students feel safe, supported, and valuednot just for their academic achievements, but for who they are as individuals.

This tragic incident should serve as a wake-up call for universities and students alike. The pressure to succeed in academics should not come at the cost of a student’s mental health. It is important for universities to take better care of their students by providing counseling services, creating awareness about mental health, and encouraging a balanced lifestyle. Students should not feel alone or isolated in their struggles. They should feel that it’s okay to seek help when things get tough.

While academic excellence is important, the mental and emotional well-being of students should always be a priority. Universities must recognize the signs of stress and provide students with the resources and support they need to succeed not just in their studies, but in life. The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal is a reminder that the pressure on students should be managed in a way that promotes their overall well-being, and not just their academic achievements. We must come together to create a system where students can thrive in every aspect of their lives.