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Academic Stress in India: In India, examination results are not merely pieces of paper; for many children, they become a matter of life and death. According to a report by the IC3 Institute titled ‘Student Suicide: An Epidemic Sweeping India,’ nearly 14,000 students took their own lives in 2023. This implies that out of all the people committing suicide in the country, more than 8% are school and college students. Over the last 10 years, there has been a staggering 65% increase in cases of student suicide.

This report highlights that, in the name of success, the Indian education system is placing such a heavy burden of expectations upon children that it is costing them their very lives. When more than 2,000 children commit suicide in a single year simply because they failed an examination, it becomes evident that the fault lies not with the children, but with society and the system itself. Nikhar Arora, Founder and CEO of Mentoria, states that this is not merely a tragedy for a single family, but a failure of the entire system.

Why is it Essential to Make Mentorship a Part of the ‘System’ in India?
Expert Nikhar Arora observes that, in his capacity as a career counselor, he has witnessed young students—as early as the 9th and 10th grades—suppressing their personal preferences to make decisions under the immense pressure of society and family. They remain stifled by the constant dilemma of which subjects to choose for their future studies. He believes that it is imperative to provide children with the right guidance and help them step out of this relentless race for grades. The time has come to implement mentorship in schools—not merely as a token gesture, but as a vital systemic mechanism capable of saving children's lives.

Statistics on Student Pressure Are Shocking

Over the past decade, there has been a 65% rise in student suicides. According to the report, more than 70% of students experience persistent academic stress, while 60% live under the pressure exerted by society or their parents. This pressure gradually escalates into anxiety and a profound lack of self-confidence. When a student in the 9th or 10th grade chooses a stream of study, they often make the decision based on prevailing trends or external pressure rather than their own interests; this subsequently becomes a primary cause of mental stress.

**What Does Mentorship Mean?**

Mentorship entails more than just offering advice. Its true objective is to identify a student's latent strengths and guide them in the right direction. According to Nikhar Arora, if a student finds a mentor at the right juncture, they are better equipped to cope with their failures. A mentor helps the student understand that the outcome of any single examination does not define the entirety of their life. This system of emotional support acts as a shield, protecting the student from unnecessary comparisons and depression.

**The Need for Change at the School and College Levels**

Even today, the majority of schools and colleges in India lack a structured mentorship system. We expect exceptional results from our children, yet we fail to provide them with the emotional and professional guidance they need most. To address this crisis, concrete steps must be taken:

**Mandatory Counseling:** The appointment of professional career counselors should be made mandatory in every school.
**Early Intervention:** Students should begin receiving mentorship and career guidance as early as the 9th grade.
**Teacher Training:** Teachers' responsibilities should extend beyond merely completing the syllabus; they should also receive training to serve as mentors.

**Mental Health Support:** Schools must foster an environment where students feel comfortable openly discussing their mental health concerns.

**Enrich Lives, Not Just Results**

When thousands of students give up hope every year, we are compelled to question the very patterns of our education system. No two students are alike, and expecting identical results from everyone constitutes an injustice. Indeed, even children within the same family are not identical. Mentorship can not only shape a student's career but also intervene in time to prevent them from taking drastic, irreversible steps. The true purpose of education is to enrich lives—not to end them.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.