JEE aspirants suicide rate increased- Parents with children in the coaching hotspot Kota with their children to guarantee they are not worried while preparing for admission examinations and do not take any drastic measures.
In the quest for academic excellence, parents often find themselves at a crossroads, torn between their desire for their children to excel academically and their concern for their overall well-being. This dilemma has become particularly prominent in recent times, as the pressure to perform well in competitive exams like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) reaches unprecedented levels. The title, “I want him to crack JEE but don’t want to lose him in the process,” encapsulates the poignant struggle many parents face as they watch their children chase their dreams while fearing the toll it may take on their mental and emotional health.
Parents Who Relocated to Kota with children during their JEE preparation
Many people, from sabbatical mothers to grandparents and homemakers, are preferring to relocate to the coaching hotspot Kota with their children to guarantee they are not worried while preparing for admission examinations and do not take any drastic measures. At the age of 80, Neeru Devi from Bihar’s Sitamarhi has relocated to Kota, the country’s coaching hotspot, to be with her grandson, who is studying for the IIT entrance exam at an institute here.
“We would not have been at peace back home,” she said, shedding light on the increasing pressures that students studying for medical and engineering entrance tests experience here. The year 2023 has seen the most student suicides, 22 so far, with two taking their own lives in a matter of hours on August 27. Last year, the total was 15.
Packed schedules, cutthroat rivalry, relentless pressure to achieve better, the burden of parents’ expectations, and homesickness are among the usual problems of the students here.Many parents are increasingly opposed to putting their children in hostels. Instead, they are renting property in Kota and spending time with their children, even taking sabbaticals.
Sandhya Dwivedi, from Madhya Pradesh’s Satna, is living with her son here while her husband attends to other matters at home.”I’m less worried now.” My son studies late at night… I make him a cup of tea or coffee. He is aware that I am present to speak with him and console him. He became unwell twice this month, and I was there to care for him. I want him to pass JEE, but I don’t want to risk losing him in the process… “We’ve heard about student suicides, and we can’t take that risk,” she explained.
Every year, over 2.5 lakh students go to Kota to prepare for competitive tests such as the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) for engineering and the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for medical school admission.
“We’ve been hearing all kinds of news,” Neeru Devi remarked. So we chose to keep him with us rather than in a hostel… Now I’m staying with him, and if he doesn’t perform well or feels at ease, his mother will come here.”
Shivani Jain, a software engineer in Chandigarh, has opted to take a leave of absence to be with her daughter who is studying for the NEET. “She is now in class eleven.” I’ll be in Kota with her until she finishes her 12th grade and passes the exam. I won’t be able to relax at home if I leave her at a hostel. “Children sometimes hesitate to call home and discuss their stress.” However, because I am present, I will be able to detect any changes in her behavior and soothe her. “My husband is in Chandigarh with our fifth-grade son,” she explained.
Kumari Shimpi, a resident of Jahanabad in Bihar, lives in Kota with her two children. “My son is studying for the JEE, and my daughter is studying for the NEET. They won’t be homesick with me here. They won’t be comfortable if they don’t get excellent food or have to do their own laundry, and I will be concerned if they take some drastic step in pressure.
“I tell them that if you don’t pass the exam, we’ll go back, but I’ll stay as long as you do,” she explained. In order to keep student suicides under control, Kota Police said it is critical that parents acclimate their children to the city’s challenges so that they do not feel lost here. “We recognize that not all parents are able to attend. However, when they come to drop their children off in Kota, they should stay with them for at least a month to acclimate them to the place, the schedule, and the overall situation… especially for those who are living away from their parents for the first time,” said Chandrasheel Thakur, the additional superintendent of police.
The district administration has advised coaching institutes to halt conducting routine examinations for students preparing for NEET and other competitive exams for the next two months in the wake of the latest suicides.
Understanding the JEE Conundrum
The JEE, a gateway to prestigious engineering institutions in India, is a fiercely competitive exam that demands relentless dedication and unwavering focus. As the competition intensifies, so does the stress and anxiety experienced by aspirants. This has led parents to contemplate whether the pursuit of academic success should come at the cost of their child’s well-being.
The Shift to Kota: A Double-Edged Sword
In a bid to provide their children with the best possible chance of cracking the JEE, many parents have turned to Kota, a city in Rajasthan renowned for its coaching centers. Kota has earned the moniker “coaching capital of India,” attracting thousands of JEE aspirants each year. While the city’s coaching centers are undeniably effective in preparing students for the exam, the move to Kota comes with its own set of challenges.
The Pressure Cooker Environment
Kota’s coaching centers are known for their rigorous schedules and demanding curricula. Students often find themselves submerged in a relentless cycle of classes, assignments, and mock tests. The pressure to perform can be overwhelming, leading to mental and emotional exhaustion.
The Loneliness Quandary
For many students, the journey to Kota means leaving behind their homes and families. The isolation that accompanies this move can contribute to feelings of loneliness and homesickness, further exacerbating the stress they are already under.
Conclusion
The desire to see our children succeed is a universal sentiment among parents. However, it’s equally important to ensure that their pursuit of excellence doesn’t compromise their well-being. The shift to Kota, driven by the ambition to crack the JEE, should be a well-thought-out decision that considers both academic goals and the emotional needs of the child.
In the end, it’s not just about cracking an exam; it’s about nurturing a healthy, well-rounded individual who can navigate the challenges of life with resilience and grace.
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