A tragic event unfolded at IIT-Kanpur when Professor Sameer Khandekar suffered a cardiac arrest during a speech to his students, ironically centred on health issues. The Friday evening incident, which took place on campus, was an unfortunate shock to the institution’s authorities and students alike. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the suddenness with which life can end, even while carrying out routine activities at the workplace. This article provides a detailed account of the incident.
Sameer Khandekar, aged 53, was a respected figure at IIT-Kanpur, serving as the head of the mechanical engineering department and overseeing student welfare. His last spoken words, “Take care of your health…”, were followed by him fainting on stage, witnessed by his students and colleagues. He was immediately rushed to the nearby Laxmipat Singhania Institute of Cardiology, but unfortunately, he was declared deceased upon arrival. It was later revealed by IIT-Kanpur that Professor Khandekar had been dealing with cardiac health issues since 2019.
Dr Neeraj Kumar, a renowned cardiologist, confirmed the news of the professor’s demise. He revealed that Professor Khandekar had passed away before his body reached the hospital, due to a cardiac block. This tragic news resulted in an outpouring of grief and condolences from his colleagues and IIT-Kanpur’s director, Prof S Ganesh.
Sameer Khandekar resided with his elderly parents and wife, Pradyanya. They also have a son who is currently pursuing his studies at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. The professor’s body is being kept at the university’s healthcare centre. The family is making funeral arrangements, which will commence once their son returns to India. The death of Professor Khandekar has deeply affected his family and left them in a state of profound grief.
Professor Khandekar’s legacy of inspiring students and his remarkable career will remain in the hearts of many, despite his untimely demise. He will be remembered as a dedicated educator who profoundly impacted his students’ lives. Further updates on this incident will be provided as they become available.
