On Tuesday, authorities revealed a distressing development: a 20-year-old NEET aspirant, Mohammad Urooj, allegedly took his own life at his PG accommodation in Kota. This tragic incident marks the sixth suicide by a coaching student in the city since January, raising concerns about the mental health and well-being of students under the pressures of exam preparation.

Mohammad Urooj, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan by a police team, according to Station House Officer Satish Chaudhary. The absence of an anti-suicide device on the ceiling fan in his room in the Vigyan Nagar area underscores the need for improved safety measures in student accommodations.

Urooj, a native of Kannauj district in Uttar Pradesh, had been diligently preparing for the medical college entrance exam at a coaching institute for the past one-and-a-half years. His dedication and commitment to his academic pursuits highlight the immense pressure faced by students aspiring for careers in the medical field.

The news of Urooj’s tragic demise has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting concerns about the mental health support available to students grappling with academic stress. The lack of a suicide note further complicates the investigation, leaving authorities and loved ones searching for answers amidst their grief.

His parents, upon discovering his unresponsiveness to their calls on Tuesday morning, alerted his friends and the accommodation guard, who promptly contacted the authorities. Despite their swift actions, Urooj’s passing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support services for students navigating the rigorous demands of exam preparation.

As the community mourns the loss of another promising young life, efforts must be intensified to address the underlying issues contributing to the mental health crisis among students. Schools, coaching institutes, and authorities must collaborate to provide adequate support systems and resources to safeguard the well-being of students during these challenging times.

The tragedy underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to address the mental health challenges faced by students, ensuring that no more young lives are lost to the pressures of academic expectations.

Also read: Kota: NEET aspirant suicide; hostel faulted for inadequate prevention