Sameer Khandekar, a distinguished 55-year-old senior professor at IIT Kanpur, tragically passed away on Friday, succumbing to a sudden cardiac arrest during his engaging speech at an alumni meet. The incident unfolded within the confines of the IIT Kanpur auditorium, where Khandekar was actively addressing attendees on the importance of maintaining good health. In one of his poignant moments, he advised the students to prioritize their well-being with the parting words, "Take care of your health."
At the juncture of delivering this crucial message, Khandekar experienced unexpected discomfort and chest pain, prompting him to sit down momentarily. The audience initially perceived this as an emotional pause, unaware of the impending tragedy. Subsequently, the professor's condition worsened, evident through profuse sweating, culminating in his collapse on the stage.
Prompt medical attention was sought, and Khandekar was swiftly transported to the hospital. Unfortunately, he was declared deceased upon arrival. Dr. Neeraj Kumar, upon reviewing the professor's medical history and conducting an examination, indicated that the cause of death was either a cardiac arrest or cardiac block. The precise details are expected to be elucidated in the postmortem report.
In a poignant turn of events, Sameer Khandekar's son, currently pursuing studies at Cambridge University, is slated to oversee the final rites for his father, as communicated by individuals associated with the late professor. Khandekar has been contending with cholesterol issues since 2019, undergoing a continuous course of medication.
Survived by his parents, wife, and son, Khandekar's life journey commenced in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. He earned his B.Tech degree from IIT Kanpur and furthered his academic pursuits in Germany, culminating in a PhD. Joining IIT Kanpur in 2004 as an assistant professor marked the inception of his impactful career. Over the years, he ascended to associate professor position and subsequently assumed roles such as the Department Head of the Mechanical Department and Student Welfare Dean. Notably, Khandekar held eight patents, leaving behind a legacy of academic and innovative contributions.
