A national crisis

INDIA is grappling with a harrowing surge in student suicides, with recent data indicating that these tragic deaths have now surpassed those of farmers. While comparing the loss of lives is inherently odious and difficult, the urgency to address this crisis is undeniable. The IC3 Institute’s report titled ‘Student Suicides: An Epidemic Sweeping India’ highlights that 13,089 students took their lives in 2021, reflecting a disturbing 57 per cent increase over the previous decade. Factors such as relentless academic pressure, forced career choices, mental health struggles and financial burden are pushing young lives to the edge. The crisis is further underscored by the grim statistics from prestigious institutions like IITs, where 69 students ended their lives between 2019 and 2023, as also Kota, the educational hub in Rajasthan that has witnessed a rising graph of young students ending their lives.

A significant contributor to this crisis is the acute lack of job opportunities in the country, creating a suffocating do-or-die scenario for students. The intense competition for limited positions and the fear of unemployment are driving many to despair. The government’s role in creating more jobs is not just essential—it is urgent. Without this, the pressure on students will only escalate, leading to more tragic outcomes.

Families also bear a crucial responsibility in guiding their children toward careers that align with their interests rather than imposing choices that may prove unbearable. Schools must step up by implementing programmes that can identify and support vulnerable students, with educators acting as both academic guides and emotional mentors. Yet, the most critical intervention lies in job creation. In a nation where young lives are at a grave risk, systemic reform, mental health support and job creation must be prioritised to prevent further tragedies and ensure a brighter future for the youth.