Suicide in Coaching Factory of Kota: 9 Practical Steps to Stop Suicide
“Mummy papa, I can’t do JEE, so suicide, I am (a ) loser worst Daughter, sorry mum my PaPa.” Suicide note by an 18 year old JEE aspirant, who committed suicide in Kota on 29th January 2024. She is the second aspirant to commit suicide in a week’s time. Suicide is not uncommon among JEE (engineering entrance test) or NEET ( medical entrance test) aspirants. There were 26 suicides in Kota alone, India’s coaching capital, infamous for tragic incidents. Why is this 18 year old girl had to commit suicide? Why this 18 year old girl had to leave this note for his parents? It’s not that the parents did not love her or would not love her if she failed JEE. Perhaps they could not communicate to her about their unconditional love. Every parent puts some pressure on children to perform. It is required as well. In case of this young girl there was an error of perception for the love of parents towards her. She thought that her life is valueless, that she will not be loved and valued by the parents, by her own self and by the society if she did not clear JEE. She thought she doesn’t deserve to live if she cannot clear JEE. Maybe she thought that she will be devoid of love, and she will be a burden on her parents without clearing JEE. These are usually the perceptions among adolescents who commit suicide. A timely detection of such perceptions, feelings and timely intervention to change these perceptions and feelings can stop many suicides. Children with dysfunctional stress often have following symptoms: Any of these symptoms should not be ignored. Initiate conversation and communication with your child. If required ask siblings or someone close to the child , preferably a professional psychologist or social worker, well trained in counselling skills, to talk to the child in a non-Judgementall, non-advising mode. Steps to prevent suicide among adolescents: Dr Manju AgrawalFounder, Mind Spa