The sudden death of Rishi Nair has not only devastated his family but also sent a shockwave through the BITS Pilani Goa campus community, where students are grappling with the emotional toll of losing yet another peer in less than a year. Many students have expressed fear and concern over the repeated nature of such tragedies, with some pointing out that the academic pressure and isolation that students face may be contributing factors. The hostel corridors, usually buzzing with activity, have now fallen into a somber silence, as classmates and friends try to come to terms with the loss.
The string of five student deaths since December 2024 has sparked urgent discussions about whether enough preventive measures and support structures are in place for students. While official statements from the institute have acknowledged the tragic events, some students and parents are demanding stronger interventions such as expanded mental health counseling, wellness centers with round-the-clock access, and proactive outreach programs to identify students who may be struggling.
Mental health professionals observing the situation have stressed the importance of universities taking a more holistic approach to student well-being. They argue that beyond academic counseling, institutions must create safe spaces where students can openly discuss stress, anxiety, or personal issues without stigma. In addition, experts highlight the need for faculty sensitization, peer mentoring programs, and mental health awareness workshops as preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
The Goa state government’s decision to form an inquiry committee, while welcomed, has also been met with cautious optimism. Parents and activists believe that merely investigating the deaths may not be enough. They insist that concrete recommendations must translate into actionable reforms on campus, ranging from better healthcare monitoring systems for students to stricter oversight of hostel facilities.
Meanwhile, social media has become a platform where current and former BITS students are expressing their grief, sharing fond memories of the deceased, and calling for accountability. Hashtags demanding mental health reforms in higher education have started trending, highlighting the broader issue of student welfare in India’s premier institutions.
For Rishi Nair’s grieving family, however, the tragedy is deeply personal. Having moved to Goa to be near their son while he battled health challenges, they now find themselves coping with an irreparable loss. The family’s presence on campus serves as a poignant reminder that behind every statistic lies a young life full of potential, dreams, and aspirations, cut short too soon.
