"THE UNSEEN BATTLE : STUDENTS AND THE WEIGHT OF EXPECTATIONS".

 ARTICLE BY : KAMRAN TANTRAY

In the quiet corners of countless homes and hostel rooms, a silent war rages on—one that rarely makes headlines until it’s too late. This war isn’t fought with weapons, but with numbers, ranks, and expectations. It’s a battle where students, armed only with dreams and sharpened pencils, struggle against a system that measures worth in marks and defines success by a single exam result. Behind every smiling report card and congratulatory post lies a harsher truth—of sleepless nights, paralyzing anxiety, and the fear of falling short. While society celebrates toppers, it often forgets those who stumble under the crushing weight of expectations. This article seeks to pull back the curtain on a crisis that has remained unseen for far too long—the psychological toll of competitive exams and the heartbreaking reality of student suicides in their wake.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in India, over 13,000 student suicides were reported in 2022 alone. These are not just numbers—they are lives lost, families shattered, dreams extinguished.Competitive exams like NEET, JEE, and others are often regarded as gateways to a "secure future." But for many, they become pressure cookers. The stakes are so high, and the competition so intense, that failure—even by a few marks—can feel like the end of the world.

Your child is not an extension of your unfulfilled dreams. Before suggesting a career path, take time to understand their interests, strengths, and fears. A conversation can be more powerful than a command.Not every child wants to be an engineer, doctor, or IAS officer—and that’s okay. A passionate artist, teacher, writer, or even a chef can be just as successful and fulfilled. Let them choose what lights them up.

Forcing a student into a course they dread is like locking them in a room with no air. Consent is not a formality—it’s a fundamental right. Ask them what they want, not just what you expect.Because when you force them to choose a specific stream or wing without their consent, they get overburdened by the studies, they try to meet the expectations of their parents and teachers. They are scolded and have to suffer humiliation if they didn't get good grades this impacts their mind adversely. Many of them try to look for an escape, as they are unable to bear the stress. They use a variety of strategies to deal with this stress, and these strategies quickly develop into serious addictions. Some of them turn to drugs, while others attempt suicide, ultimately taking their own lives.

A child battling anxiety or depression due to academic pressure needs support, not more expectations. Don’t ignore signs of emotional distress—your empathy could save a life.

In the race for success, we are losing our children. Not because they weren’t capable, but because they were never heard, never understood, and never given the space to fail safely. Behind every topper’s photograph is a line of silent sufferers whose stories we ignore. Let this not be just another article. Let it be the beginning of a collective awakening—a promise to choose empathy over ego, listening over lecturing, and love over expectations.

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