When education becomes a death sentence
Editor,
Why does a 16-year-old end their life when they should be exploring, learning, and laughing?
When news broke that a 16-year-old student from Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Jail Road, took her own life inside her classroom after an examination, it sent shockwaves through our community. This tragedy forces us to ask some uncomfortable but necessary questions: How can families, schools, and the government better support students? Is there an urgent need to change our policies? Should we see this as a victory for a broken system or a collective failure of educators, legislators, and families? Or should we just dismiss it by saying she was weak and move on?
The reality is that every student faces immense pressure—whether it’s academic stress, parental expectations, peer comparisons, or the burden of an uncertain future. Many struggle in silence, afraid to show that they are tired and overwhelmed. But should it be this way?
Role of families and schools:
Parents play a crucial role in shaping a child’s mental well-being. While expectations and discipline are necessary, is there enough room for open conversations, emotional support, and reassurance that failure is not the end? Many children grow up fearing disappointment more than failure itself, leading them to believe their worth is measured solely by their achievements.
Similarly, schools are supposed to be safe spaces for learning and growth. Yet, how many schools actually prioritize mental health? Counselling services are either non-existent or insufficient. Teachers, often burdened with administrative work, may not always recognize the warning signs of distress in students. The education system’s relentless focus on marks rather than holistic development only adds to the pressure.
Are policies effective, or just on paper?
In 2022, 7.6% of suicides in India were by students, with 2,248 deaths directly linked to exam failure. The New Education Policy (NEP) and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) were introduced to reform the system and provide mental health support. Yet, their implementation remains weak. The stress of exams persists, and many policies remain theoretical rather than practical. While some states have introduced supplementary exams, the stigma of failure is still deeply ingrained.
The criminalization of attempted suicide under Section 309 of the IPC further discourages students from seeking help. Rather than addressing the root causes, society often places blame on the victims, calling them weak. But is it weakness to struggle under a system designed to break them?
So what needs to change?
This tragedy should not become just another statistic. Schools must prioritize mental health education as much as academics. Every institution should have trained counsellors who can guide students through their struggles. Parents need to create an environment where failure is accepted as part of growth rather than a source of shame. The government must ensure that education policies focus on well-being and flexibility rather than rote learning and pressure.
Every student who takes their own life is a reminder that we are failing them—not the other way around. The time for change is now. How many more lives must be lost before we truly listen?
Yours etc.,
Krish Marwein,
Via mail
Of common election platforms: pros and cons
Editor,
Apropos of the news “UDP backs common platform concept to engage with people” and ‘Common platform idea echoes in Jowai’ (ST January 29, 2025), a common platform for political campaigns could offer several advantages, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. The advantages of a common platform are that they can help political parties present a unified message, making it easier for voters to understand their stance on various issues. Such a platform is cost effective as sharing resources and infrastructure can reduce campaign costs, making it more affordable for smaller parties to participate. As far as increased reach is concerned a common platform can leverage digital tools and social media to reach a wider audience, especially in remote areas. A centralised platform can promote transparency in campaign financing and spending, reducing the risk of corruption. However, there are challenges for a state with multiple political parties representing different regions, communities and ideologies. A common platform may struggle to accommodate these diverse interests. Coordinating efforts across multiple parties can be challenging and may lead to conflicts or inefficiencies. While digital platforms can enhance reach, not all voters have access to the internet or are comfortable using digital tools. So while a common platform for political campaigns has potential benefits, it also requires careful planning and coordination to address the challenges. The success of such a platform would depend on its ability to balance diverse interests and ensure equitable access for all voters.
The landscape of election campaigning in India has evolved significantly over the years, with the rise of digital platforms, social media and data analytics playing a crucial role. Some key trends and factors shaping modern election campaigns in India are Digital Campaigning, Grassroots Mobilization and Media and Advertising. As far as Digital Campaigning is concerned Social Media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have become essential tools for political parties to reach and engage with voters. They allow for targeted messaging and real-time interaction. WhatsApp is widely used for disseminating campaign messages, videos and updates to a large audience quickly and efficiently. Political parties are increasingly using data analytics to understand voter behaviour, preferences and trends. This helps in crafting personalized campaign strategies and messages. When it comes to Grassroots Mobilization political parties focus on mobilizing voters at the grassroots level through booth committees and local volunteers. This ensures a strong presence in every constituency.
Despite the rise of digital platforms, traditional door-to-door campaigning remains an effective way to connect with voters on a personal level. As far as Media and Advertising is concerned, these traditional media channels continue to play a significant role in reaching a wide audience, especially in rural areas. Print media like newspapers and magazines are used for advertising and publishing opinion pieces to influence public perception.
The spread of fake news and misinformation on social media platforms poses a significant challenge to fair and transparent elections and ensuring compliance with election laws and regulations, especially in the digital space, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. In conclusion the evolving landscape of election campaigning in India reflects the dynamic nature of its democracy. While digital platforms offer new opportunities for engagement, traditional methods of campaigning continue to hold value. Balancing these approaches and addressing challenges like misinformation and regulation will be key to successful election campaigns in the future.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email