Kanpur, Dec 24 : Dean of Students Welfare and Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department at IIT-Kanpur, Professor Sameer Khandekar, died of cardiac arrest while delivering a speech, ironically on a health-related topic, at an alumni meet on the campus.

During the alumni meet, he was speaking on a health related topic and his last words reportedly were "Take care of your health...." after which he collapsed.

He was rushed to Laxmipat Singhania institute of Cardiology, where he was declared 'dead upon arrival'.

His body has been kept at the health centre of the institute and the last rites will take place after his son arrives from Cambridge University, UK, where he studies, said sources. An IIT-K alumnus himself, Khandekar was the head of the mechanical engineering department and also served as dean, student welfare.

He is survived by his parents, wife Pradyanya and son Pravah. He was also associated with the ‘Shiksha Sopan’ programme in association with Padma Shri awardee, Physics professor Harish Chandra Verma. ‘Shiksha Sopan’ is run by IIT-K faculty and students to impart value-based education to members of the economically weaker section of the society.