Shimla, April 1
The alleged suicide of a young MBA student from Shoolini University has triggered anger and grief on campus, with students accusing the institution of failing to support him before his death. Amid growing protests, the university on Wednesday announced a new scholarship in the student’s memory, saying one economically weaker student would receive full support for the MBA programme in the next academic session.
Nitin Chauhan, 21, who had recently completed his MBA studies, was found dead in Solan on March 29, according to the university. Students allege that he had been under severe stress after facing harassment and a salary dispute in a job he secured through campus placement.
According to students, Nitin had been promised a monthly salary of Rs 50,000 for a placement in Dehradun, but was instead paid only Rs 25,000. They also claimed he was made to work extremely long hours, from morning until midnight, and that when he approached the university’s placement cell for help, he did not receive support.
Some students further alleged that he was intimidated after raising concerns, and said the pressure may have pushed him into taking the extreme step.
In response to the outrage, Shoolini University said it had created a scholarship in Nitin’s name as a tribute to his aspirations and journey. The scholarship will support one student from an economically weaker background in the MBA programme each year and will continue for the next 10 years.
In a statement, the university said the decision had been taken “from a place of deep care and responsibility” and described the initiative as a way to keep Nitin’s memory alive within the institution.
The university also expressed condolences to Nitin’s family, saying the campus community stood with his parents and loved ones in mourning. It added that faculty, leadership and student support systems remained available and urged students to seek help and prioritise their mental and emotional wellbeing.
The announcement comes days after large-scale student protests on March 31, when demonstrators blocked a road outside the campus and demanded justice for Nitin. Protesters also called for a public apology to his parents from the university administration and sought the removal of trustee and vice-president Avnee Khosla.
The incident has now raised wider questions about campus placements, student welfare and the level of institutional support available to students facing professional and emotional distress.
