Unveiling the Mental Health Crisis: Behind Student Suicides in Kota
Every year, a multitude of ambitious students converge on Kota, Rajasthan, with dreams of conquering the formidable Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) and National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). While some thrive in this competitive environment, others grapple with the overwhelming academic stress and lack of a robust support network. Our team at Smartkhabrinews embarked on a journey to Kota to delve into the lives of students, educators, coaching institutions, and counseling experts, aiming to uncover the underlying causes of this distressing issue.
A Glimpse into the Crisis
Kota, known as a hub of coaching institutes, has witnessed a distressing trend with 23 reported student suicides this year alone. These young individuals were preparing to tackle the most challenging entrance exams in the country, aiming for admission into premier technical and medical institutions. The toll of these suicides has left both the academic community and the nation grappling with grief and concern. As we explore the depths of this crisis, it becomes evident that urgent measures are needed to address the mental well-being of these aspiring students.
The Dark Link to Weekly Tests
Police records indicate a disconcerting pattern – most suicides occur around the time of the weekly tests. These examinations, conducted by coaching institutes, are designed to gauge students’ progress and simulate the entrance exam experience. Tragically, the pressure to perform often takes a toll on those who are struggling to keep up. A heart-wrenching incident exemplifies this connection: a medical aspirant ended his life within the premises of a coaching institute shortly after completing a weekly test. The open announcement of test results further exacerbates the issue, leaving those who did not fare well feeling disheartened and isolated.
“Test results are announced openly for all. Several teachers just come in and ask who the toppers are. Those trying hard to make it through are left out and often get depressed about it,” shared Srijan Sharma, a determined JEE aspirant.
Recognizing the concerning trend, the district administration intervened by mandating a day off either before or after the exam to provide some respite. Previously, exams were scheduled immediately after exhaustive hours of classes, allowing students little room to recover. However, the need for more substantial interventions remains evident.
Unveiling Coaching Institutes’ Role
The hierarchy that some coaching institutes establish, segregating star performers and assigning them to a special batch with the best instructors, is under scrutiny. Jyoti Yadav, hailing from Bihar, expressed her concern about this practice, highlighting its negative impact. Despite the Kota district administration’s directives to limit class sizes to 80 students, provide a weekly day off, and conduct mandatory psychological evaluations for both students and teachers, many coaching institutes continue to ignore these guidelines.
Our attempts to solicit responses from leading coaching institutes regarding these concerns were met with silence. As we await their perspectives, it is clear that the onus rests on these institutions to proactively address the mental well-being of their students.
Can Anti-Suicide Measures Make a Difference?
Recently, the district administration mandated the installation of spring-loaded ceiling fans in hostels and paying guest accommodations. This measure, intended to prevent suicides, ignited a wave of discussions across social media platforms. Hostel owners acknowledge the potential efficacy of these devices but emphasize the need for comprehensive support systems.
Bhupendra Sharma, a hostel owner, detailed the mechanics of these spring-loaded fans, designed to give way under excessive weight. He believes that while this measure might deter some impulsive acts, it is far from a complete solution. Addressing the broader issue, he stressed the importance of hostels in identifying and resolving students’ problems, given the physical distance from their parents.
Another hostel owner, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared their approach of installing sensors in fans to trigger alarms in case of any unusual activity. This proactive strategy, coupled with efforts to ensure students’ active participation in classes and daily routines, reflects a multifaceted approach to tackling the issue.
As we continue to grapple with the heart-wrenching aftermath of these student suicides, it becomes evident that a collaborative effort involving educational institutions, parents, and policymakers is imperative. The harrowing tales emerging from Kota underscore the pressing need for a holistic approach to education, where students’ mental well-being is prioritized alongside academic excellence.
Note: This article will be updated with responses from coaching institutes, if and when received.