A JEE aspirant in Kota, Rajasthan, took his own life in the month of August 2024. He was 18 years old and now tragically, the 22nd student to have lost his life to suicide this year.Â
The Case
In Kota, Rajasthan, a disheartening incident unfolded as an 18 year old student, engrossed in rigorous preparations for the Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Entrance Examination, tragically succumbed to suicide on a fateful Tuesday night. This devastating occurrence casts a distressing shadow over the city, as it marks the 22nd reported suicide within the educational hub’s boundaries in the current year of 2024 alone, with an alarming four of these tragedies striking in the month of August itself.
The Response: Spring-Boarded Fan
Incidents like these have brought to light a discussion about the pressing concern that has been steadily gaining attention – the pronounced mental health crisis that has gripped the young students who are fervently striving to excel in this highly competitive examination. Given Kota’s stature as a central hub for training centres dedicated to preparing students for the Joint Entrance Examination, the intensity and pressure faced by these aspirants are immense.
As a response to this tragedy, the district administration seems to have undertaken a perplexing and, arguably, controversial approach in addressing the issue. In a bid to extend what they describe as mental support and security to these persevering students, the authorities of the district administration have taken the unconventional step of installing spring-loaded fans in all rental rooms that are made available to students.
The Reason
District collector Om Prakash Bunkar unveiled this significant decision pertaining to the installation of spring-loaded fans in student accommodations as detailed in an official order, say reports. This aims to address the crucial concerns of mental well-being and security for the students at Kota, particularly those enrolled in rigorous coaching institutes.
The district collector emphasized the rationale behind this initiative, stating that the installation of security spring devices within ceiling fans is intended to serve a dual purpose. On one hand, these measures are envisioned to offer a form of psychological bolstering and reassurance for students who are engrossed in their studies and residing in these accommodations. On the other hand, by incorporating these safety features, the intention is to curtail the alarming increase in suicides among coaching students.
The mechanics of these newly introduced spring-loaded fans are designed to detect weight or pressure. When such pressure is identified, the springs instantly uncoil, thereby disengaging the fan from its ceiling mount. This ingenious design seeks to preemptively avert any potential hanging incidents. Additionally, an extra layer of security is integrated into these fans through the installation of sensors that are programmed to trigger an alarm should a suicide attempt be detected.
Ingenious Solution or Insensitive Approach?Â
While some may perceive this initiative as a well-intentioned endeavor to show the administration’s proactive approach, others may question the efficacy and appropriateness of such a measure. It has been argued that addressing mental health challenges among these students necessitates a more comprehensive and sensitive approach, which could involve counselling, therapy and other effective factors.
The unfortunate demise of yet another young life serves as a somber reminder of the pressing need for a holistic and empathetic response to the mental health predicament that looms over Kota’s ambitious youth.
