Who is Shireesh Kedare, IIT Bombay director facing students' demand for resignation?

IIT Bombay director Shireesh Kedare came under pressure after students protested following Sahil Wakode's death. The unrest has widened into demands for an independent probe, welfare reforms and clarity on his reported resignation.Who is Shireesh Kedare, IIT Bombay director facing students’ demand for resignation?IIT Bombay Director Professor Shireesh B Kedare has come under scrutiny as students demand his resignation following protests over the death by suicide of second-year student Sahil Wakode on September 18.Wakode’s death came after an examination incident in which he was found using a mobile phone. IIT Bombay had initially said he uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers and that no disciplinary action had been initiated against him.The institute later apologised for the communication, saying the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death remain under investigation. IIT Bombay has also clarified that Kedare has not resigned.On Sunday, during a meeting with students, Kedare signed an 18-point charter of demands covering an independent probe, student welfare and disciplinary reforms. The charter also calls for the director’s resignation if the proposed reforms are not implemented within a month. WHO IS SHIREESH B KEDARE?Shireesh B Kedare is a professor in IIT Bombay's Department of Energy Science and Engineering and an alumnus of the institute. He completed his BTech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Bombay in 1985 and his PhD from the same institute in 1992.His academic and research work has focused largely on renewable energy and sustainable technologies. His areas of research include solar technologies with thermal energy storage, renewable energy technologies for decarbonising Indian process industries, energy transition pathways and technology development. Before becoming director, Kedare held several academic and administrative positions. IIT Bombay's profile lists him as Professor-in-Charge of its Centre of Excellence in Oil, Gas and Energy since November 2019. He has also served as a member of the Board of Governors of IIT Madras and as a nominated member of the Council of IITs under the Ministry of Education.WHEN DID KEDARE BECOME IIT BOMBAY DIRECTOR?Kedare took charge as Director of IIT Bombay on May 6, 2024, succeeding Professor Subhasis Chaudhuri. His academic record includes research papers in international and national journals, conference publications, patents and awards.He has guided PhD scholars and several postgraduate dissertations and has been involved in research, consultancy and technology-development projects.WHY ARE STUDENTS DEMANDING ACCOUNTABILITY?The immediate trigger for the protests was Wakode's death and questions surrounding the events that preceded it.IIT Bombay's initial statement said Wakode was found using a mobile phone during an examination and had uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT. It also said that the instructor, faculty adviser and Head of Department counselled him and assured him that the examination incident would not adversely affect his academic career, adding that no disciplinary action had been initiated.Students, however, raised questions about the institute's handling of the episode and demanded a wider investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death.The issue has since expanded beyond the examination incident, with protesters demanding changes in the institute's approach to student welfare, mental health, disciplinary procedures and grievance redressal.WHAT ARE THE 18 DEMANDS?The 18-point charter includes demands for an independent probe into Wakode’s death, an open house, an apology, stronger mental-health and counselling services, faculty sensitisation, changes to disciplinary procedures, greater student representation, and a 24-hour psychiatrist-on-call facility.Students have also sought a clear implementation plan and protection from action for peaceful protesters. The charter calls for the director’s resignation if the reforms are not implemented within a month.Meanwhile, the institute has apologised for its earlier statement on Wakode's death, acknowledging that the circumstances leading up to the incident are still being investigated by the appropriate authorities.WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?Attention now turns to the implementation of the 18-point charter and the findings of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death. IIT Bombay is also expected to continue discussions with students and hold an open house to address their concerns.The implementation of the agreed reforms and the outcome of the investigation will shape the institute’s response to the demands raised during the protests. Meanwhile, reports concerning Director Shireesh B Kedare’s resignation remain subject to formal confirmation.- EndsPublished By: Apoorva AnandPublished On: Sep 21, 2026 12:55 IST