IIT Kanpur Professor Collapses on Stage, Dies

A senior professor in IIT Kanpur has died due to cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture during an alumni meet, the educational institute said on Saturday.

According to the authorities, Sameer Khandekar, 53, the dean of student affairs and head of the mechanical engineering department, collapsed on the dais while addressing the gathering on Friday.

Soon, he was rushed to the hospital where he was declared brought dead, the authorities added.

Khandekar was diagnosed with high cholesterol levels about five years ago.

Former IIT Kanpur Director Abhay Karandikar expressed shock over the sudden demise of Sameer Khandekar whom he described as an outstanding teacher and researcher.

Khandekar was delivering a lecture when he felt severe chest pain and began sweating profusely. Before anyone could make sense of what was happening, he collapsed on the stage, Karandikar added.

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