Gujarat University Installs ‘Anti-Suicide Fans’ For Students: Is It Fixing The Wrong Problem?

SURAT: Veer Narmad South Gujarat University in Surat has installed 354 spring-loaded fans in its hostels in a bid to prevent student suicides. While the initiative has drawn attention as a potential safety measure, social media users have questioned whether changing fans is enough without addressing the academic pressure and mental health struggles students face.

In a move aimed at preventing student suicides, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) in Surat has installed 354 specially designed ‘anti-suicide fans’ in its hostel rooms. The university says the spring-loaded mechanism is intended to prevent ceiling fans from bearing the weight that could make them a means of suicide.

Described as a first-of-its-kind initiative in Gujarat, the installation comes amid continuing concerns about student deaths linked to academic pressure, career uncertainty and mental distress. According to a report in Dainik Bhaskar, each fan costs approximately Rs 1,500, taking the estimated cost of the 354 units to around Rs 5.31 lakh.

The fans have a spring-loaded mechanism designed to release when a weight exceeding 10 kg is placed on them. According to VNSGU Vice-Chancellor Dr Kishorsinh Chavda, the mechanism activates immediately, cutting off the power supply and causing the fan to come down.