Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) in Surat has installed 388 specially designed, spring-loaded ceiling fans across its nine hostels as part of measures aimed at preventing student suicides. The installation covers five girls’ hostels and four boys’ hostels.
The fans feature a safety mechanism that causes them to tilt downwards when a load exceeding 10 kg is applied. The mechanism is designed to reduce the risk of the fans being used as support points for hanging. Under normal conditions, the fans function like conventional ceiling fans.
University officials said the installation is a preventive measure intended to strengthen safety arrangements in student accommodation. The initiative comes amid growing concerns over student mental health and suicide prevention at educational institutions.
Vice-Chancellor Kishorsinh Chavda said the university was taking precautionary steps to ensure student safety, despite no such incident having been reported on its campus. The initiative reflects the institution’s efforts to create a safer environment for students living in hostels.
Alongside physical safety measures, access to counselling, mental health support and timely intervention remains important in addressing emotional distress among students.