In a distressing turn of events, Kota, a hub for competitive exam preparation, has witnessed yet another heartbreaking incident. A young 18-year-old aspiring medical student named Manjot Singh hailing from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, has taken his own life.
This incident marks the 19th reported suicide case in Kota this year, shedding light on the alarming trend of academic pressure and its toll on young minds.
Manjot Singh embarked on his journey to Kota in April 2022, driven by his ambition to excel in the medical field. His goal was to crack the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a highly competitive medical entrance examination in India.
Enrolling himself in a coaching center specialized in NEET preparation, he hoped to secure a spot in a prestigious medical college. However, on Thursday morning, his body was discovered in his hostel room, where he had hanged himself from a ceiling fan.
This once again directs attention to the concerning pattern of suicides among students in Kota. As of now, 19 young lives have been lost this year alone, each succumbing to the immense pressure and challenges that accompany the pursuit of educational excellence. Kota, known for attracting students from all corners of the country in pursuit of engineering and medical dreams, has transformed into a crucible of both aspirations and mental health struggles.
A distressing trend of suicides in Kota
Regrettably, this is not an isolated occurrence. Kota has, in recent years, been grappling with a distressing series of student suicides, highlighting the dire consequences of academic stress, competition, and disappointment. The city saw around 15 student suicides in the year 2022, reflecting a deeply troubling trend that has only intensified.
Last month, the city mourned the loss of another bright young mind, a 17-year-old student fervently preparing for the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) entrance exam. His body was discovered hanging from a fan in his hostel room, underscoring the pervasive nature of this issue.
Tragically, the month of May witnessed five more student suicides in Kota, adding to the growing concern. A staggering number of over 2.25 lakh students have enrolled in various coaching centers across the city, all vying for a chance to secure coveted seats in esteemed medical and engineering colleges.
Parents of these ambitious students have expressed their concern over the lack of adequate counselling and emotional support available to address the overwhelming stress stemming from the competitive environment. The relentless pressure to succeed in an environment where every student is expected to triumph can lead to a severe emotional struggle.
A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has unveiled a concerning statistic: approximately 13% of students in India encounter challenges related to their psychological, emotional, and behavioral well-being. Within the context of the Indian subcontinent, mental health disorders often go unnoticed and untreated, largely due to the stigma associated with such issues or a deficiency in accurate awareness.
Furthermore, a dearth of accurate information compounds the problem. Misconceptions and a general lack of awareness about mental health issues can lead to confusion and uncertainty among both students and their families. This informational gap prevents individuals from recognizing the signs of mental illness and taking appropriate steps to address them.
The unfortunate demise of Manjot Singh serves as a reminder of the pressing need to address the mental health challenges faced by students in high-stakes competitive settings like Kota.Â
As the city grapples with this distressing trend, it becomes crucial to prioritize holistic well-being alongside academic pursuits, ensuring that no young life is lost to the relentless pursuit of success.
