Another NEET Aspirant From UP Dies By Suicide in Kota

Manjot Chhabra, a student hailing from Uttar Pradesh, tragically took his own life in Kota. Manjot, an aspirant for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), had relocated to Kota earlier this year to undergo intensive preparations for the medical entrance examination. This distressing incident marks the 17th suicide in Kota within the current year. The young student, originally from Rampur in Uttar Pradesh, had enrolled in a coaching center in Kota to enhance his readiness for the NEET exam. Regrettably, he was discovered deceased in his hostel room earlier this morning.

Kota, a prominent educational hub, attracts a multitude of students from across the nation each year, seeking to prepare for competitive exams such as NEET and JEE, which grant access to esteemed engineering and medical colleges. The environment's intense academic pressure has raised concerns about the well-being of students, prompting a critical examination of the factors leading to such extreme measures.

In a recent incident preceding this tragedy, Pushpendra Singh, a student who had recently arrived in Kota to prepare for NEET, also ended his life by hanging. Pushpendra had been residing in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar hostel with his cousin, and his demise came merely a week after his arrival in the city. The absence of a suicide note adds to the mystery surrounding his unfortunate death. Pushpendra's cousin had briefly left for the market, and upon his return, he discovered the room's entrance locked. His attempts to contact Pushpendra were in vain, leading him to seek assistance from the hostel operator. Tragically, the discovery was made when the door was forcibly opened, revealing Pushpendra's lifeless body.

The incidents have prompted the local police to intervene, investigating the circumstances surrounding these devastating losses. Relatives of the deceased have also been engaged, with postmortem procedures conducted before the bodies were entrusted to the families.

Disturbingly, Kota has witnessed a distressing trend of student suicides, with around 15 cases reported last year. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the mental health and well-being of students facing intense academic pressures.

For those in need of support, helplines are available to provide assistance and guidance. These helplines include Aasra in Mumbai (022-27546669), Sneha in Chennai (044-24640050), Sumaitri in Delhi (011-23389090), Cooj in Goa (0832- 2252525), Jeevan in Jamshedpur (065-76453841), Pratheeksha in Kochi (048-42448830), Maithri in Kochi (0484-2540530), Roshni in Hyderabad (040-66202000), and Lifeline in Kolkata (033-64643267). It is crucial for individuals struggling with mental health concerns to seek help and reach out to these resources.