Lost Dreams: The Harsh Reality of Parental Pressure and Student Suicides.

 India, a country known for its cultural history and economic progress, is facing a problem that can only be described as a inexplicable and serious problem: the rising number of student suicides. Every year, thousands of young minds in India are forced to take their own lives – a horrifying statistic that speaks volumes about the suffocating embrace of familial, cultural and academic expectations as well as Parental pressure.

 In the year 2023 a Supreme Court bench said that parental pressure and their high expectations on students preparing for competitive exams are forcing them to commit suicide. The bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Mumbai-based doctor Aniruddha Narayan Malpani, who was pleading the court to regulate coaching institutes in view of the rising number of suicides by students in Kota, Rajasthan.

However, the court told the petitioner,

“These are not easy things. Parental pressure is behind all these incidents. More than the children, it is the parents who are putting pressure on them. In such a situation, how can the court give directions?”

A day after the results of the NEET-UG entrance exam were released, an 18-year-old student from Rewa in Madhya Pradesh hanged herself in Kota, Rajasthan on Wednesday night. The victim, Bagisha Tiwari, allegedly jumped off a building to her death while staying with her mother and brother in Kota’s Jawahar Nagar area. This year, i.e. 2024, there have been eleven suspected cases of student suicides in Kota.

In the year 2023, 27 students committed suicide in several coaching centers in Kota, which is the highest number ever in a year. The annual report of the National Crime Records Bureau released in December 2022 showed that the total number of suicides among students and unemployed was 7.6 percent and 9.2 percent respectively. If we talk about student suicides across the country, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) says that according to the latest report released on Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India 2022, more than 13,000 students took their own lives in India in 2023. Students accounted for 7.6% of all deaths by suicide in 2022. The report also revealed that failure in exams was the reason for suicide of 1,123 students under the age of 18. Maharashtra (378) had the highest number, followed by Madhya Pradesh (277) and Jharkhand (174). Karnataka (162) and Gujarat (155) also reported high numbers of suicide deaths due to failure in exams. Overall, 10,295 children under the age of 18 committed suicide in 2022. The number of suicides among girls (5,588) was slightly higher than among boys (4,616). The report also revealed that the highest percentage of deaths was seen among those with secondary level education, accounting for 23.9% of all suicides in 2022. The percentage of suicide deaths among those with no education was 11.5%.

Parental pressure: A common force

Parental pressure in India stems from a combination of cultural expectations, economic aspirations, and social norms. Parents often have high expectations for their children’s academic and professional achievements, viewing education as a gateway to social mobility and financial security. This section explores the dimensions of parental pressure and its impact on students.

1. High expectations and unrealistic goals

Parents in India often set very high and sometimes unrealistic academic goals for their children. The desire for top grades, admission to elite institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) or a medical college, and the aspiration for prestigious careers can put immense stress on students. The fear of disappointing their parents often drives students to push themselves beyond their limits, leading to burnout and mental health issues.

 2. Comparative analysis and peer pressure

In many Indian families, children are often compared to their peers, siblings, or even parents’ own achievements. This comparative mindset fosters a sense of deficiency and competition in students. Constant comparisons can lower a child’s self-esteem and self-worth, making them feel they are never good enough, no matter how hard they try.

3. Control over career choices

Parents in India often exert significant influence over their children’s career choices. Fields such as engineering, medicine and are often preferred over others due to their perceived stability and prestige. This control can suffocate a student’s passions and interests, forcing them down paths they are not truly interested in. The resulting dissonance can lead to dissatisfaction, stress and, ultimately, extreme actions.

Academic pressure and the education system

The Indian education system emphasizes rote learning, high-stakes examinations, and rigorous curriculum, which play a significant role in increasing student stress. The design of the system often prioritizes academic achievement over holistic development, creating an environment where students feel valued only based on their academic performance.

1. Intense competition

The competition for limited seats in top-tier institutions is fierce. Entrance exams for institutions such as IITs and medical colleges are extremely difficult, with acceptance rates often falling below 2%. Preparation for these exams begins very early, with students attending coaching classes alongside regular schooling, leaving them little time for relaxation or extracurricular activities. The extreme pressure to succeed in these exams can lead to severe anxiety and depression.

2. Rote learning and lack of creativity

The Indian education system relies heavily on rote learning, where memorization is valued more than understanding and critical thinking. This approach can stifle creativity and intellectual curiosity, making learning a stressful and monotonous process. Students often feel they are learning for exams rather than to gain knowledge, which can lead to feelings of aimlessness and frustration.

Mental Health and Social Stigma

Mental health in India is an important but often neglected aspect of student well-being. The stigma associated with mental health issues prevents many students from seeking help, further exacerbating their problems.

1. Lack of awareness and resources

There is a considerable lack of awareness about mental health issues among students, parents, and teachers. Schools and colleges often lack adequate counselling services, and there is a shortage of mental health professionals. Without proper support, students struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues have nowhere to turn.

2. Social expectations and success parameters

Social norms in India often equate success with academic and professional achievements. Personal happiness and well-being are often overlooked in favour of measurable success parameters such as grades, degrees, and job titles. This narrow definition of success puts additional pressure on students, who feel they must meet these social expectations to be considered successful.

3. Fear of stigma

The stigma associated with mental health issues is universal in Indian society. Students fear that they will be labelled as weak or unstable if they admit to struggling with their mental health. This fear prevents them from seeking the necessary help, which worsens their condition and, in some cases, leads to tragic consequences. Possible Solutions Addressing the issue of student suicide in India requires a multi-pronged approach that involves parents, teachers, policy makers and society.

Here are some possible solutions to lessen this crisis:

1. Parent education and support Awareness programmes: Conduct awareness programmes to educate parents about the importance of mental health, balanced expectations, and diverse career paths. Counselling services: Provide counselling services to help parents understand and support their children’s aspirations and well-being.

2.  Educational reforms Holistic education: Promote a more holistic approach to education that emphasises critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence rather than just academic scores.

 Flexible curriculum: Implement a more flexible curriculum that allows students to explore their interests and strengths.

3. Mental health support

Counselling centres: Set up well-equipped counselling centres in schools and colleges with trained mental health professionals.

Helplines: Provide confidential helplines and online support for students experiencing emotional distress.

Mental health education: Integrate mental health education into the school curriculum to raise awareness and reduce stigma.

4. Social Change

Redefining success: Encouraging societal change in how success is defined, valuing personal happiness and well-being alongside academic and professional achievement. By broadening the definition of success, society can help reduce the pressure on students to conform to narrow standards of achievement.

 Conclusion

Student suicides in India reflect the immense pressures young people face in their pursuit of academic and professional success. Parental pressure, academic competition, rigid education systems, and societal expectations create a perfect storm of stress and anxiety. However, this crisis is not insurmountable. By addressing the root causes and implementing comprehensive solutions, including parent education, educational reforms, mental health support, social change, and policy initiatives, India can foster a more nurturing and supportive environment for its students. Reducing the silent desperation that drives many to take their own lives requires a collective effort and a change in mindset. Recognizing the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of academic achievements, is crucial. Parents, educators, policymakers, and society must come together to ensure every student in India feels valued, supported, and empowered to pursue their dreams without fear or undue pressure. Only then can we prevent the heartbreaking loss of young lives and create a future where every student can thrive.