17-year-old JEE aspirant from Bihar dies by suicide in Kota
On Saturday, a tragic incident occurred in Kota, Rajasthan, where a 17-year-old student preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) reportedly took his life by hanging himself in his hostel room. This unfortunate event marks the second suspected suicide within a span of 48 hours among students attending coaching classes in the city and the eighteenth such case in Kota over the course of a year.
Kota has earned a reputation as a prominent coaching hub in India, attracting thousands of students from across the country who aspire to crack competitive entrance exams like JEE and NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) for admission into prestigious engineering and medical colleges. The intense academic pressure and the competitive environment in these coaching centers can take a toll on students’ mental health, leading to instances of stress, anxiety, and depression.
The recent spate of student suicides in Kota has raised serious concerns about the mental well-being of young aspirants and highlighted the need for comprehensive measures to address the underlying issues. The pressure to excel in highly competitive exams, coupled with being away from family and support systems, can contribute to mental health challenges among students.
In response to the distressing trend, educational institutions, parents, and authorities are being urged to prioritize students’ mental health and well-being. Counseling services, mental health support, and stress management programs have become critical components in helping students cope with academic pressures and emotional challenges.
Additionally, there is a growing recognition of the importance of fostering a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages open communication about mental health concerns. Promoting a culture of seeking help and offering non-judgmental support to students facing academic stress can play a crucial role in preventing such tragic incidents in the future.
The authorities in Kota are likely to launch investigations into the recent suicides to understand the underlying factors and identify ways to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. As the city grapples with this concerning issue, the focus remains on protecting the well-being and mental health of its student community and ensuring that academic pursuits are balanced with the necessary emotional support and care.
The tragic incident involving Bhargav Mishra took place in Kota, Rajasthan. The 17-year-old student, originally from Champaran district in Bihar, had come to Kota in March to prepare for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). He was a Class 12 student enrolled in a coaching institute, aiming to secure admission into a prestigious engineering college.
On Friday, Mishra’s lifeless body was discovered hanging from the ceiling fan of his paying guest room in the Mahaveer Nagar area at approximately 8:30 pm. The incident came to light after he did not respond to multiple phone calls from his worried parents, who were concerned about his well-being. Upon noticing that the door to his room was bolted from inside, the paying guest caretaker decided to check on him, only to make the distressing discovery.
The local police, led by DSP Harshraj Singh, confirmed the incident on Saturday. According to the official reports, it was alleged that the young boy took his own life sometime around noon on Friday.
This tragedy sheds light on the immense academic and emotional pressures faced by students attending coaching centers in Kota. The city is well-known for its competitive coaching culture, but the intensity of preparation and the desire to excel in exams can lead to overwhelming stress and mental health challenges for young aspirants like Bhargav Mishra.
Authorities, educational institutions, and parents are urged to take this incident as a stark reminder of the need to prioritize students’ mental well-being and provide them with adequate support and counseling services. Such tragedies highlight the importance of creating a nurturing and empathetic environment for students, one that encourages them to seek help and talk openly about their struggles and concerns.
As the community mourns the loss of another young life, there will likely be increased calls for comprehensive measures to address the mental health crisis among students and to ensure that academic pursuits are balanced with emotional well-being and support.
Upon receiving no response from Bhargav Mishra despite multiple attempts to contact him, the paying guest caretaker promptly informed the police about the situation. The authorities arrived at the location at approximately 8:30 pm and, growing concerned for his safety, decided to forcibly open the door of his room. Tragically, upon entering, they discovered the lifeless body of the young boy hanging from the ceiling fan.
The reason behind Bhargav Mishra’s suspected suicide is yet to be determined, according to the DSP. No suicide note was found in the boy’s room, leaving authorities to investigate further to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.
In their ongoing investigation, the police are actively gathering additional information about the deceased student. This includes obtaining his performance records from the coaching institute where he was enrolled to assess his academic progress and attendance. Such information may help shed light on any potential academic or personal challenges he might have faced during his stay in Kota.
As of now, the body of Bhargav Mishra has been placed in the mortuary of New Medical College Hospital, awaiting a post-mortem examination. This examination will be conducted once his family members arrive at the location to provide their consent and cooperation.
The incident has left the community in shock and grief, and it serves as a somber reminder of the importance of mental health support and awareness among students, particularly those in high-pressure academic environments. Authorities will continue their efforts to understand the circumstances leading to this tragic loss of life, while emphasizing the need for empathy, open communication, and mental health resources to prevent such distressing incidents in the future.
