19-Year-Old NEET Aspirant Leaves Home In Kota, Says Will Return After 5 Years

The Indian education system has long been recognized for its academic rigor and competitive environment. In recent years, some important examinations have become a vital component of our educational system, including board exams, entrance exams for universities, and competitive exams for famous schools and universities like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). This system places a strong emphasis on academic achievement and holds students to high standards.

Nonetheless, the increasing study pressure on students has become a cause for concern, and Kota, being a prominent coaching hub, is currently facing the worst of it. Every year, thousands of students flock to this Rajasthani city with the aspiration of cracking these highly competitive entrance exams. They gave it their all since they wanted to pursue prominent jobs in engineering and medicine. Unfortunately, the extreme stress these students experience has resulted in high stress levels and a terrible increase in suicides.

In the middle of this, Rajendra Meena, a 19-year-old student in Kota, Rajasthan, made a shocking choice to leave his home for five years. And, needless to say, he did this because of the high academic pressure he is facing.

A student from Kota has gone missing due to academic pressure

Rajendra, who was preparing for the medical entrance exam NEET in Kota, recently went missing. This shocked his family and loved ones from the core. They were alarmed by his abrupt absence without any additional explanation. After a desperate search that lasted for many days without producing any results, his father filed a missing person’s complaint with the police.

However, their worries grew when Rajendra sent them a message confirming his departure. In the message, Rajendra wrote that he is leaving the house for 5 years. He informed his parents that he had Rs 8,000 with him. Rajendra also promised his family that he would not make any mistakes. He also revealed that he is doing this because he does not want to study anymore. In his message, he wrote,

“I am leaving home and I do not wish to further my education. I have Rs 8,000 with me and will be gone for five years. I will sell my mobile phone and break the SIM card. Please tell mother not to worry about me. I will not take any wrong steps. I have everyone’s numbers with me. If needed, I will call. I will definitely call once a year.”

Rajendra reportedly left his paying guest accommodation in Kota on May 6 at 1:30 p.m., according to an NDTV story. As soon as his missing complaint was filed, the police started looking for him. However, despite an intense search, his whereabouts are still a mystery. Therefore, his family and the authorities are on the lookout for any information that can help them locate him.

What do experts have to say about the negative effects of rising academic pressure?

So far in 2024, nine students have taken their lives in the city, while 29 students committed suicide last year. Experts have designated April and May as “high-risk months” for NEET and JEE applicants due to the alarming increase in student suicides in Kota, Rajasthan. They urge the district administration to make student counseling mandatory in all paying guest accommodations and hostels.

Public health specialist Bhupesh Dikshit of the Shikshit Rozgaar Kendra Prabhandhak Samiti says district and police officials should be on the lookout for places where coaching institutes operate. He also added that authorities need to monitor students periodically.

According to psychologist Eena Budhiraja, the surge in consumerism is to blame for Kota’s rising suicide rate. She explained that the focus in today’s consumer-driven society is on getting money, which frequently results in parents pressuring their kids to pursue professions in engineering or medicine while ignoring their actual skills.

According to surveys conducted in Kota, four out of ten students are struggling with depression. If the problem is not addressed soon, it can become another pandemic and plague the whole Indian education system.