Kota, a city in Rajasthan, India, is known as the "coaching capital of India" due to its numerous coaching institutes that prepare students for competitive exams, such as the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). However, the city has also become infamous for the high number of suicides among NEET aspirants.
On November 29, 2023, another NEET aspirant committed suicide in Kota, bringing to 28 the number of such deaths in the city this year. The latest victim, a 16-year-old boy from Uttar Pradesh, was found hanging in his room. He had been preparing for NEET for the past two years.
[Students at the entrance of kota]
The reasons for these suicides are complex and multifaceted. They include the intense pressure faced by NEET aspirants to perform well in the exam, the high cost of coaching and living in Kota, and the lack of support systems for students struggling with stress and anxiety. The government has taken some steps to address the issue, such as providing financial assistance to NEET aspirants from economically weaker backgrounds. However, more needs to be done to create a more supportive environment for students and to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues.
Mental health experts say that students should be encouraged to seek help from counselors or therapists if they are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. They should also be reminded that their worth is not defined by their performance in a single exam. The string of suicides in Kota highlights the urgent need for mental health awareness and support for students. It is important to create a culture where students feel comfortable talking about their mental health struggles and where they know that there are people who care about them and want to help.
Students should also be encouraged to focus on their overall well-being, not just on their academic performance. They should get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and engage in regular physical activity. They should also find time for activities that they enjoy and that bring them relaxation and stress relief.
[image credits: english madhyam]
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