IIT Prof Collapses On Stage During Lecture, Dies Due To Cardiac Arrest

A 53-year-old IIT professor died after he collapsed on stage while he was delivering a lecture during an alumni meet in Kanpur on Friday.

A 53-year-old IIT professor died after he collapsed on stage while he was delivering a lecture during an alumni meet in Kanpur on Friday. ( Image Source :X:@iameshansharma_ )

Taking everybody by shock, a 53-year-old senior professor of IIT Kanpur died after suffering a cardiac arrested while he was delivering a lecture at an alumni meet on Friday. News agency PTI reporred that Sameer Khandekar, who was the dean of student affairs and the head of the mechanical engineering department collpased on stage in the middle of his speech.

Authorities told the news agency that he was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. One of his colleagues said that he was diagnosed with high cholesterol levels about five years ago.

Former IIT-Kanpur Director Abhay Karandikar told PTI that he was shocked at the sudden death of Khandekar and lauded him for being an outstanding teacher and researcher.

Taking to X, Karandikar wrote, "It’s unbelievable! The news of my friend Prof. Sameer Khandekar's (Professor in Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur) sudden and very untimely passing has left us in deep shock and sadness. A cherished colleague always full of energy and enthusiasm. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace, dear friend."

 

Divulging more details about his death, Karandikar said that Khandekar experienced severe chest pain and started sweating profusely before collapsing, leaving a very short time for people around him to understand what was happening.

He added that his body has been kept at the IIT-Kanpur's health centre and the final rites would be performed only after the arrival of his only son Pravah Khandekar who is studying at Cambridge University.

His sudden demise was greeted with shock and grief and tributes pourned in on social media with several highlighting the importance of paying attention to health issues and the effect of stress from work. According to reports, moments before he started sweating profused and then collapsed, he advised everyone to take care of their heath.