“This is the last option” said student before tragically taking their own life in Kota
The 18-year-old, a resident of Kota's Borkheda area, was diligently preparing for Engineering
In a heartbreaking incident in Kota, Rajasthan, another student preparing for competitive exams has taken her own life, marking the second suicide in January. The 18-year-old, a resident of Kota’s Borkheda area, was diligently preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) when she was found hanging at her residence. This tragic event sheds light on the escalating issue of exam stress among students enrolled in coaching centers.
Immediate Response Unsuccessful in Preventing Tragedy
Despite the family’s quick response and immediate hospitalization, the young student, grappling with the intense pressure of competitive exams, was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. Living with her father, a bank employee, she was repeating her 12th class, dedicating seven to eight hours daily to studies. However, the overwhelming challenges proved too much for her to bear.
Investigation Initiated
The police, following the protocol, have initiated an investigation into the incident. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to unravel the circumstances leading to the tragic decision of the student. The recovery of a suicide note alongside her body has added another layer to the investigation.
Heartbreaking Suicide Note Reveals Struggle
The poignant suicide note found by the police expressed the student’s despair and feelings of failure. In the note, she conveyed her inability to cope with the pressure of the JEE, stating, “Mummy, Papa, I can’t do JEE. So I suicide [sic]. I am a loser [sic]. I am the worst daughter [sic]. Sorry Mummy, Papa. This is the last option I have.” The note highlights the immense mental and emotional strain experienced by students pursuing competitive exams.
Echoes of a Recent Tragedy – Mohammed Zaid’s Suicide
This unfortunate incident comes closely on the heels of another student suicide in Kota. Mohammed Zaid, originally from Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad, was preparing for the NEET entrance examination. His tragic death added to the growing concern over the mental well-being of students facing the rigorous demands of competitive exams.
Government Guidelines Fall Short
Last year, an alarming surge in student suicides prompted the Central Government to issue guidelines aimed at alleviating the pressure on coaching students. However, the tragic incidents this year raise questions about the effectiveness of these measures. The directives were intended to ensure the well-being of students by engaging coaching institutes and district administrations in the collective responsibility of preventing depression and stress.
Call for Comprehensive Overhaul in Approach
Dr. Bharat Singh Shekhawat, head of the psychiatry department at Kota Medical College, emphasized the need for a comprehensive overhaul in the approach of coaching institutes and parents. He highlighted the challenges faced by students admitted to coaching institutes at a young age, missing out on the benefits of regular school life, such as extracurricular activities and friendships. The rigorous coaching schedule adds further stress to their already demanding academic journey.
Kota – A Hub of Aspirations and Pressures
Kota, a renowned coaching hub, witnesses the annual influx of over 2 lakh students, all aspiring to crack exams like JEE and NEET. While the city offers opportunities for academic excellence, it also exposes students to an intense and highly competitive environment, contributing to the prevailing issue of mental health challenges among aspirants.
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