The Human Cost of Chasing Excellence: Reflecting on Suicides in IITs and IIMs
The recent news regarding the surge in suicides at our premier institutions, the IITs and IIMs, has weighed heavily on my mind. It’s a somber reflection on the immense pressure young minds face today, and the stark question posed by the article — "Will SC intervention put safety before reputation?" — is one that demands our deepest introspection.
I’ve always believed that true education extends beyond academic rigor; it encompasses the holistic development and well-being of an individual. To see reports of students, who are ostensibly at the pinnacle of academic aspiration, succumbing to such despair is heartbreaking. It speaks volumes about an environment where the pursuit of excellence might, inadvertently, be overshadowing the fundamental need for emotional and psychological support.
The article hints at a crucial dilemma: the delicate balance between maintaining institutional prestige and safeguarding the mental health of students "Suicides surge in IITs, IIMs: Will SC intervention put safety before reputation?". These institutions are revered, rightly so, for their academic standards and the talent they nurture. Yet, if this reputation comes at the cost of human lives, then we, as a society and as institutions, must question our priorities. Are we creating hothouses of intellectual brilliance that are, at the same time, breeding grounds for anxiety, stress, and isolation?
The fact that the Supreme Court’s intervention is being discussed underscores the severity of the situation and perhaps a perceived inadequacy in the self-correction mechanisms within these institutions. It suggests that external pressure might be necessary to force a shift in focus from mere academic outcomes to the welfare of the students who strive to achieve them.
I recall times when I've reflected on the broader aspects of institutional accountability and systemic improvements. While not directly on student welfare, my writings on administrative reforms and e-governance have often touched upon the need for transparent, responsive, and humane systems (for instance, in my blog E - Governance ? from April 2014, and subsequent posts like NEOR as envisaged from May 2023, where I discussed the importance of common, accessible databases and overcoming inter-agency rivalry to address systemic issues). While the context there was financial accountability and combating corruption, the underlying principle of establishing robust, caring systems that prioritize individuals over rigid adherence to reputation or outdated protocols is deeply relevant here. These premier educational institutions, too, are complex systems, and their success should be measured not just by placement rates or research output, but by the thriving, healthy individuals they graduate.
We need to foster an environment where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness. Where mental health support is not just available, but actively promoted and integrated into the fabric of student life. Where competition is healthy, but never at the expense of a student's dignity or life. This is a call for a fundamental re-evaluation of our educational ethos – moving beyond just 'reputation' to truly prioritize 'safety' and well-being.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh