KALYAN: At a time when academic pressure and emotional stress are increasingly affecting young minds across India, a remarkable life-saving innovation has emerged from a school classroom in Kalyan.
Fifteen-year-old Anuska Nandi, a Class 10 student of B. K. Birla Public School, has developed the “Suicide Saviour Fan”—a specially designed ceiling fan system aimed at preventing suicides among students living in hostels and paying guest accommodations.
The device is particularly intended for high-pressure academic environments such as the Indian Institutes of Technology, National Institutes of Technology, and major coaching hubs like Kota.
Inspired by Rising Student Distress
India has witnessed a worrying rise in student suicides, especially among engineering aspirants and college students grappling with intense competition, academic stress, and emotional isolation. Hostel rooms, often fitted with ceiling fans, have tragically become the setting for many such incidents.
Deeply affected by frequent newspaper reports, Anuska decided to channel her scientific curiosity and social concern into a practical solution.
“I used to read about students dying by suicide in IITs and coaching centres. I noticed that ceiling fans were often involved. I wanted to create something that could interrupt that moment and give them another chance,” she said.
With this thought, she conceptualised the Suicide Saviour Fan.
How the Device Works
Under normal conditions, the fan functions like any regular ceiling fan and does not interfere with daily use. However, it is equipped with a smart safety mechanism that detects abnormal or sudden excess weight.
The system uses a shock-up spring for weight detection and a limit switch that activates when unusual load is applied. Once triggered, the switch sends a signal to an alarm system and remains engaged until manually reset.
For emergency communication, the device is integrated with an Arduino Uno and a GSM module. When activated, the system immediately sends alert messages to pre-authorised phone numbers and places repeated calls every five seconds. This ensures that wardens, parents, or authorities are informed without delay.
Importantly, the mechanism operates silently, does not damage the fan, and does not alert other students, allowing timely intervention without causing panic.
Designed for Practical Use
The Suicide Saviour Fan is compatible with existing hostel infrastructure, making it suitable for large-scale installation. It is cost-effective, requires minimal maintenance, and appears no different from an ordinary ceiling fan.
Despite its simple appearance, it serves as a crucial safety tool during moments of emotional crisis.
Recognition and Patent Filing
Anuska has submitted her invention for patent registration to Intellectual Property India, which has officially published her application after verification. The recognition marks a significant milestone for a school-level innovator.
Family and School Support
Anuska comes from an academically inclined family. Her father, Dr Shyam Sundar Nandi, is a scientist, while her mother, Sanchita Nandi, is a former lecturer. Both have expressed immense pride in her work.
Her father said Anuska has always been eager to explore new ideas and has participated in several national and international science competitions. Her mother added that she feels proud her daughter’s invention could help save young lives.
The device was developed within the school premises with the support of the physics faculty. Anuska independently worked on the concept and technology, while the school provided guidance and encouragement.
She also acknowledged the support of laboratory assistant Prakash Mahajan, who helped arrange materials, and credited Principal Ranjana Jangra and teacher Suman Iyer for motivating students to think creatively.
Positive Response and Future Potential
During a recent school science exhibition, educators, parents, and social activists welcomed the innovation and urged educational authorities and hostel administrators to consider pilot projects.
Many believe that if implemented widely, the Suicide Saviour Fan could become a standard safety feature in student accommodations.
A Message of Hope
From a school laboratory in Kalyan, Anuska Nandi’s invention stands as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to meaningful change. At a time when India faces serious student mental health challenges, her innovation offers a ray of hope—showing how empathy, science, and determination can come together to save lives.
