Kota: In a heart-wrenching incident, another young life was lost to the relentless pressure of competitive exams in Kota, Rajasthan. Niharika Singh, an 18-year-old aspiring to crack the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), was found hanging in her residence. The incident, which occurred in Kota’s Borkheda area, raises serious concerns about the toll that exam stress is taking on students.
Suicide Note Reveals Inner Struggles
Niharika’s family discovered her lifeless body and rushed her to the hospital, but despite their swift response, she was declared dead upon arrival. The police, investigating the tragedy, found a suicide note with Niharika.
The note revealed her internal struggles, stating, “Mummy, Papa, I can’t do JEE. So, I suicide. I am a loser. I am the worst daughter. Sorry Mummy, Papa. This is the last option I have.”
This unfortunate incident marks the second suicide in Kota within the same month, shedding light on the escalating issue of exam stress among coaching students. Mohammed Zaid, another coaching student preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), had also taken his life earlier in January. The successive tragedies underscore the urgent need to address the mental health challenges faced by students.
Exam Stress Claims another life
Last year, a surge in student suicides prompted the central government to issue guidelines aimed at alleviating the pressure on coaching students. Directives were issued to coaching institutes and district administrations to safeguard students from depression and stress. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains a subject of debate.
Doc. Insights in Kota
Dr. Bharat Singh Shekhawat, head of the psychiatry department at Kota Medical College, emphasized the need for a comprehensive overhaul in the approach of both coaching institutes and parents to address the alarming rise in student suicides.
He pointed out that students admitted to coaching institutes at the age of 15 or 16 are too young, missing out on the benefits of school activities and friendships. The rigorous coaching schedule adds significant stress to their lives.
Over 2 Lakh Student in coaching Hub
Kota, known for being a hub of coaching centers preparing students for exams like JEE and NEET, attracts over 2 lakh students annually. While these institutes play a crucial role in shaping academic success, the mental well-being of students is often compromised in the process. Striking a balance between academic rigor and mental health support has become a pressing challenge for the educational ecosystem.
The tragic loss of Niharika and others highlights the need for a compassionate and supportive environment for students. Beyond the pursuit of academic excellence, there must be a concerted effort to address the emotional and psychological well-being of students. The pressure cooker environment of intense competition needs to be tempered with understanding, empathy, and mental health resources.
Wrap Up:
As the nation mourns the tragic loss of promising young lives, it serves as a stark reminder that the education system needs a paradigm shift. Rethinking approaches, fostering a supportive ecosystem, and prioritizing student welfare are essential steps toward ensuring that no more young minds succumb to the unbearable weight of exam stress.