Industrialist and billionaire Gautam Adani voiced concern over the heavy burden of studies on students after the tragic suicide of an 18-year-old student for failing the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). Adani said that “life is greater than an exam” and implored that there must be a change in the way success in academics is approached in India.
The tragic event brings to the fore the increasing mental health issue among students, especially those studying for competitive exams such as JEE, which decide admission to India’s top engineering colleges. The pressure to perform results in extreme anxiety, stress, and, in a few instances, tragic outcomes.
Adani’s message resonated with students, parents, and educators, sparking discussions about the need for a more supportive academic environment. Many experts are calling for improved counseling services, reduced academic pressure, and alternative career pathways to ensure students do not equate exam results with self-worth.
As the controversy surrounding India’s high-stakes education system rages on, this tragedy is a bitter reminder of the pressing need for mental health awareness and educational reforms to safeguard students from crushing pressure.
