A Tamil Nadu student, Dharshini, reportedly died by suicide while preparing for the NEET exam, echoing a similar tragic case involving another student, Indhu. Both incidents raise concerns about the pressures of NEET, leading to governmental opposition against the exam, and highlight the importance of mental health support for students facing exam anxiety.
A tragic incident occurred in Kilambakkam, Tamil Nadu, where a girl student named Dharshini, who was preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), allegedly died by suicide on Saturday. She had been studying for the NEET exam scheduled for May 4, 2025, since 2021. The Kilambakkam Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
This unfortunate event echoes a similar case from March 1, where another 19-year-old student named Indhu from Tindivanam reportedly took her own life due to anxiety about the NEET exam. Indhu had performed well in her 12th-grade exams and had previously attempted NEET but did not pass. She was found hanging at home after her family had left for the fields. The police have launched an investigation into this incident as well.
Additionally, the community witnessed another heartbreaking case last October involving S. Punitha, a 19-year-old student from Salem district, who succumbed to suicide after failing to secure a medical seat despite undergoing two years of NEET coaching. These events have sparked conversations about the high stakes the NEET exam imposes on students in Tamil Nadu.
The Tamil Nadu government has vehemently opposed the NEET exam, contending that it is detrimental to economically disadvantaged and Tamil-medium students. In June 2024, a unanimous resolution was passed by the Legislative Assembly against NEET, amidst ongoing debates concerning the fairness of the examination process and related issues such as leaked question papers.
In light of these distressing incidents and ongoing opposition to NEET, mental health support services are crucial. Helplines such as the Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health (9999666555) and TISS iCall (022-25521111) are available for those in need of support.
The increase in student suicides related to NEET exam pressure demands immediate attention and action from both educational authorities and the government. Continued discussions surrounding the fairness of the NEET exam, as well as the provision of mental health support, are vital to prevent future tragedies. The Tamil Nadu government and other stakeholders must address the underlying issues impacting students to foster a more supportive educational environment.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com