Tragic Loss Strikes Kota Again: JEE Aspirant Dies by Suicide, Sparks Concerns Over Mental Health
Tauqeer Khan
Kota : She came to Kota with a dream to become an engineer but failed to cope with stress arising out of exam’s preparation and finally ended her life journey. An 18-year-old JEE aspirant took her own life in Kota, Rajasthan, just two days before her scheduled examination. This tragic event marks the second suicide in Kota within a week, raising urgent concerns over the mental health and well-being of students in the high-pressure atmosphere of coaching centers.
The victim, identified as Niharika, was diligently preparing for the JEE Mains examination when she hanged herself in her room in the Shiksha Nagri area of Kota. Her examination was slated for January 31. In a heartbreaking suicide note recovered by the police, Niharika expressed her despair and called herself “the worst daughter,” attributing her tragic decision to her perceived inability to succeed in the JEE.
“Mummy and Papa, I can’t do JEE. So, I am committing suicide. I am a loser. I am the reason. I am the worst daughter. Sorry, Mummy and Papa. This is the last option,” read the poignant note, revealing the depth of the emotional turmoil the young aspirant was grappling with.
This tragic incident follows another student suicide in Kota on January 23, when Mohammad Zaid, a 17 or 18-year-old NEET aspirant from Uttar Pradesh, was found hanging in his hostel room. Unlike Niharika, Zaid did not leave behind a suicide note, leaving the reasons for his extreme step shrouded in mystery.
Kota, renowned for its coaching institutes preparing students for engineering and medical entrance examinations, witnessed a staggering 29 student suicides in 2023 alone. The recurring tragedies underscore the pressing need for authorities to address the mental health challenges faced by students navigating the rigorous demands of coaching centers.
Educational institutions and mental health professionals are now emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment for students, encouraging open discussions about mental health, and providing accessible counseling services. The toll that academic pressure takes on the mental well-being of students cannot be ignored, and there is a growing call for a collective effort to prioritize mental health in the educational landscape.
As the community mourns the loss of promising young lives, there is an urgent need for systemic changes and increased awareness to ensure that no student feels compelled to resort to such drastic measures due to academic stress. The onus lies on educators, parents, and policymakers to collaborate in fostering a healthier, more supportive academic environment that prioritizes the well-being of students above all else.
