The rigorous academic standards and highly competitive atmosphere of the Indian educational system have long been acknowledged. Examinations such as board exams, university entrance tests, and competitive exams for prestigious institutions and universities like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have become an essential part of our educational system in recent years. This system holds kids to a high level and lays a lot of emphasis on academic accomplishment.
Still, there’s reason to be concerned about the mounting pressure on students to study, and Kota, a well-known coaching centre, is currently feeling the brunt of it. Thousands of youngsters travel to this Rajasthani city each year in the hopes of passing these extremely difficult admission tests. They put everything on the line because they wanted to work in prestigious technical and medical fields. Sadly, the intense stress these youngsters endure has led to elevated stress levels and a horrendous rise in suicides.
Amidst all of this, Rajendra Meena, a 19-year-old student in Kota, Rajasthan, took the unexpected decision to spend five years away from home. The intense academic pressure he is under led him to take this action.
A student from Kota has gone missing due to academic pressure
Recently, Rajendra, who was in Kota getting ready for the medical entrance exam NEET, vanished. His family and loved ones were deeply stunned by this. His sudden disappearance without further explanation frightened them. Following an intense, fruitless search that lasted several days, his father reported him missing to the authorities.
But when Rajendra confirmed his departure through a message, their concerns increased. Rajendra stated in the message that he would be leaving the house for a five-year stay. He told his parents he had eight thousand rupees with him. Rajendra additionally pledged to his family that he would not commit any errors. Additionally, he disclosed that he is acting in this way because he no longer wants to study.
“I am leaving home and I do not wish to further my education. I have Rs 8,000 with me and will be gone for five years. I will sell my mobile phone and break the SIM card. Please tell mother not to worry about me. I will not take any wrong steps. I have everyone’s numbers with me. If needed, I will call. I will definitely call once a year.”
An NDTV article claims that on May 6 at 1:30 p.m., Rajendra departed his paying guest accommodations in Kota. The police began searching for him as soon as they received his missing complaint. But even after a thorough search, nobody knows for sure where he went. As a result, his family and the police are searching for any information that may lead to his location.
What do experts have to say about the negative effects of rising academic pressure?
Nine students have killed themselves in the city so far in 2024, compared to 29 last year. Analysts have declared April and May to be “high-risk months” for NEET and JEE aspirants because of the startling rise in Kota, Rajasthan, and student suicides. They implore the district administration to mandate student counselling in all hostels and paid guest rooms.
The Shikshit Rozgaar Kendra Prabhandhak Samiti’s Bhupesh Dikshit, a public health specialist, advises district and police officials to keep an eye out for locations where coaching institutes operate. He also mentioned the necessity for authorities to periodically check on students.
Kota’s soaring suicide rate is caused by the growth in materialism, says psychologist Eena Budhiraja. She outlined how the emphasis in today’s consumer-driven world is on making money, leading to parents who often push their children to seek careers in engineering or medicine while disregarding their true aptitudes.
Four out of ten students in Kota are battling depression, according to polls done there. If the issue is not resolved quickly, it may spread like a new pandemic and affect the entire Indian educational system.
