In a heartbreaking incident, 18-year-old Niharika Singh, a Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) aspirant from Kota, Rajasthan, was found hanging in her room. The tragic event sheds light on the immense pressure faced by students preparing for competitive exams.
Niharika, a resident of Kota’s Borkheda area, was discovered lifeless in her residence while preparing for the JEE. Despite immediate hospitalization, she was declared dead upon arrival. The police are conducting an investigation, including a post-mortem examination, to understand the circumstances leading to her decision.
A poignant suicide note recovered by the police revealed Niharika’s desperation and emotional turmoil. The note conveyed her struggles with the JEE preparation, expressing feelings of failure and labeling herself as the “worst daughter.” The chilling note ended with her stating that suicide was her last option.
Niharika resided with her father, a bank employee, and was repeating her 12th class to enhance her chances in the competitive exams. Despite dedicating considerable time to daily studies, the intense pressure took a toll on her mental well-being.
This tragic incident follows the suicide of Mohammed Zaid, another coaching student in Kota, who was preparing for the NEET entrance examination. The frequency of such distressing events has raised concerns about the mental health and well-being of students in Kota, a prominent coaching hub.
In response to a surge in student suicides, the Centre had issued guidelines last year to alleviate the pressure on coaching students. Coaching institutes and district administrations were directed to implement measures to safeguard students from depression and stress. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains a subject of ongoing debate.
The demise of Niharika Singh highlights the urgent need for addressing the mental health challenges faced by students preparing for competitive exams. The incident prompts a broader conversation about the educational system’s impact on young minds and the importance of providing adequate mental health support to mitigate such tragedies.
