Collapsible fans in Indian university hostels to minimize suicides

Dr. Kishorsinh Chavda, Vice-Chancellor of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) located in Surat, Gujarat, India, recently conducted a unique demonstration in a hostel room. He hung a bedsheet on a ceiling fan and applied weight to it, causing the fan to instantly detach and its power supply to disconnect.

The video, which quickly circulated on social media, showcased the university's newly introduced spring-loaded safety fan system designed to prevent student suicides due to exam stress and other pressures.

These special fans are designed such that as soon as an unusual weight exceeding 10 kg (or between 10-25 kg according to some reports) is applied, their spring system opens, causing the fan to bend downwards. As the fan refuses to bear the weight, its power supply is automatically disconnected. According to various media reports, steps have been taken to install between 354 and 388 such fans across 9 hostels housing approximately 840 students in 312 rooms. It is reported that about 170 fans are planned for five women's hostels and 218 for four men's hostels, with nearly 268 already installed. The estimated cost for this project ranges from Indian Rupees 1500 to 2500 per fan.

According to university authorities, this is the first such step taken by a university in Gujarat state. Although no suicide incidents have been reported on this campus so far, this precautionary measure has been taken in accordance with the guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Supreme Court, and the Central and State Governments. Reminding students that life is precious, the Vice-Chancellor urged them not to make such tragic decisions due to exam stress. He stated that if an exam is failed, it can be retaken, and advised students to talk to family, teachers, or counselors when facing problems.

This measure is not an isolated incident. In 2023, following the suicides of 20 to 25 students associated with coaching centers in Kota, Rajasthan, authorities there also mandated the installation of similar spring-loaded fans in hostels. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 13,892 students committed suicide in 2023 and 14,488 in 2024, accounting for approximately 8.5 percent of all suicides. Key reasons for this include exam failure, family pressure, and uncertainty about professional future. While limiting access to lethal means is good according to World Health Organization recommendations, social media and mental health experts point out that providing safety through hardware is not a real solution to underlying problems such as academic pressure and lack of mental health support.