Tragedy Strikes Again: NEET Aspirant’s Death Marks 25th Suicide in Kota’s Coaching Mecca, Prompting Urgent Concerns Over Student Well-being
In a devastating turn of events, a 20-year-old NEET aspirant from West Bengal, Faureed Hussain, was found hanging in his rented accommodation in Wauf Nagar, Kota. The incident sheds light on the mental health challenges faced by students preparing for the highly competitive National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in the coaching hub of Kota.
Faureed Hussain, hailing from Birhum district in West Bengal, had been diligently preparing for the medical entrance exam at a coaching institute in Kota for the past year. He had been residing in his rented accommodation since July, sharing the space with other students from coaching institutes.
The tragic discovery was made when Hussain’s friends, concerned about his prolonged absence from his room, attempted to contact him. Despite repeated attempts, there was no response. Alarmed by his unusual behavior, they sought the assistance of the house owner, who subsequently informed the police.
Upon reaching the scene, the police were forced to break open the door, only to find Faureed Hussain hanging inside. Shockingly, no suicide note was recovered from his room, leaving investigators puzzled about the motives behind this extreme step.
Circle Inspector Rajesh Pathak of Dadabari police station stated, “The reason behind the extreme step is yet to be ascertained,” highlighting the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to Faureed Hussain’s tragic demise.
This unfortunate incident marks the 25th case of suicide by a coaching student in Kota this year alone. The alarming frequency of such incidents raises concerns about the mental well-being of NEET aspirants in the city, known for its intense coaching culture.
Notably, this is not an isolated incident. On September 18, a 16-year-old girl from Uttar Pradesh, also preparing for NEET in Kota, took her own life by consuming a poisonous substance. The gravity of the situation becomes more apparent when considering that this was the second suicide case that month. In August, six coaching students had already committed suicide, painting a bleak picture of the mental health challenges faced by aspirants.
The pressure to excel in competitive exams, coupled with the isolation from family and the intense nature of the coaching environment, has created a toxic cocktail for the mental well-being of students in Kota. The education system needs to prioritize the mental health of aspirants, providing adequate support and counseling services to help them navigate the challenges of exam preparation.
As the investigation into Faureed Hussain’s tragic death unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the mental health crisis among NEET aspirants in Kota and beyond. The education system must evolve to foster a more supportive and nurturing environment, ensuring that the pursuit of academic excellence does not come at the cost of precious lives.
