Kota, renowned for its academics and competitive atmosphere within the Indian education framework, has lately become a focal point for the intense pressure students face. With crucial examinations such as board exams, university entrance tests, and competitive evaluations like those for the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the system places significant importance on scholastic achievements, setting high standards for students.
Despite its academic prestige, Kota grapples with the darker consequences of this pressure. Each year, a multitude of students converge upon this Rajasthan city, driven by aspirations of acing these rigorous entrance exams, aiming for esteemed careers in engineering and medicine. However, this pursuit often leads to overwhelming stress levels, tragically culminating in a disturbing rise in suicide rates.
In the midst of this educational maelstrom, Rajendra Meena, a 19-year-old student from Kota, Rajasthan, has made a startling decision to depart from his home for a period of five years, citing the relentless academic pressure as his motive.
Rajendra’s sudden disappearance has sent shockwaves through his family and community.
Following an exhaustive search yielding no results, his father lodged a missing person report with the authorities. The situation took an alarming turn when Rajendra sent a message to his family confirming his departure, expressing his intent to refrain from pursuing further education. In his communication, he reassured his loved ones of his safety, disclosing his plan to sustain himself with the modest sum of Rs 8,000 for the duration of his absence.
“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.”
Reportedly, Rajendra vacated his lodging in Kota on May 6th, 1:30 p.m., according to sources. Despite concerted efforts by law enforcement to locate him, his whereabouts remain unknown, prompting both his family and the authorities to appeal for any information that could aid in his discovery.
The escalating toll of academic pressure in Kota has sparked concerns among experts.
With nine student suicides recorded thus far in 2024, and 29 cases reported last year, the months of April and May are flagged as particularly perilous for NEET and JEE applicants. Experts advocate for mandatory counseling services in all student accommodations, emphasizing the need for proactive measures by district authorities and law enforcement to monitor and support students in distress.
Public health specialist Bhupesh Dikshit underscores the importance of monitoring coaching institutes and implementing periodic checks on students. Psychologist Eena Budhiraja attributes the rising suicide rates in Kota to societal pressures driven by consumerism, urging a reevaluation of parental expectations and a focus on nurturing individual talents.
Surveys conducted in Kota reveal that four out of ten students grapple with depression, signaling a looming crisis that threatens to engulf the Indian education system if left unaddressed.
