The headlines of a well-known newspaper frequently showcase articles such as “Students brutally murder professor.” These headlines consistently bring attention to the various devastating socio-economic challenges our nation confronts, encompassing poverty, terrorism, illiteracy, and corruption. The involvement of young individuals is vital in addressing these issues. In a swiftly evolving country like ours, the youth possess a crucial responsibility in instigating changes that will transform the nation and expressing their aspirations for what is optimal for the country.
There is a growing concern about the increasing number of young people who are resorting to illegal methods in order to quickly achieve their dreams and desires. This trend raises questions about the impact on the nation’s future. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, 44% of individuals arrested for criminal activities fall into the ‘youth’ category, specifically between the ages of 10 and 30. Within this age group, there is a subset of individuals who are turning to unlawful means such as theft, kidnapping, murder, rape, and involvement in sex scandals to accomplish their goals. As a result, there has been a significant increase in the overall crime rate.
What is the cause of the increased aggression among the youth in this country? Is it because of unemployment or ineffective law enforcement? Although we support a lower drinking age, we also engage in dangerous behavior that leads to deaths. We demand safety for women, yet we commit sexual assault ourselves. Even wealthy young individuals are involved in hacking bank accounts. Esteemed psychiatrists argue that limited future opportunities force young people to pursue success by any means necessary.
Many people also believe that young individuals who engage in criminal activities are troubled individuals. However, it is unimaginable that individuals in their 20s would commit murder over the dispute of who should receive a prantha first. This incident occurred at midnight in a prestigious area of South Delhi, emphasizing the extent of such occurrences. Countless cases of unreported sexual assaults and minor rapes enable these young individuals to repeat their actions without facing consequences. Moreover, the judicial system often displays leniency towards the accused, neglecting to take decisive action.
Reforming the country’s judicial system and procedures is crucial because criminals have no fear of being caught. They know that their case will be added to a backlog of pending cases, which could lead to lengthy verdict announcements and the possibility of them not being present. Moreover, measures should be taken by the government to revive the economy and create job opportunities in both urban and rural areas. The increasing rate of suicides in India is a pressing issue that requires immediate intervention and a reevaluation of our system.
Published in June 2012, a report called “Suicide Mortality in India” by The Lancet highlights the growing disillusionment and discontent among Indians. This is a significant shift for a population once known for their pursuit of lasting happiness. The study reveals that young people in India have higher suicide rates compared to their counterparts in Western countries. In fact, in 2010, it was found that individuals aged between 15 and 29 accounted for 56% of all female suicides and 40% of male suicides. This concerning trend can be attributed to a combination of cultural, genetic, and religious factors.
Experts in mental health suggest that the 15-29 age groups, particularly in wealthier and more developed southern states with superior education, social welfare, and healthcare systems, have the highest suicide rates. They believe that the economic boom and open markets of the last two decades have created opportunities but also increased job anxiety, higher expectations, and a desire for success. Hence, there is an urgent need for immediate intervention and a reevaluation of India or Bharat as a society. Furthermore, many cases of suicide go unreported due to its illegality in India.
According to Dr. Vikram Patel, the higher rates of mental health issues among young people could be linked to their increased likelihood of experiencing disappointment in a rapidly changing society that doesn’t match their aspirations for success and happiness. Furthermore, Dr. Patel recognizes that online social networking is intensifying feelings of loneliness, which may provide a plausible explanation for this occurrence. The community holds fond memories of Kunju Shivankutty, a popular young individual.
In Manjeri, a town in North Kerala, a 20-year-old individual expressed deep distress over their inability to pass the admissions test for a government-run engineering college. On August 15th, 2011, India’s Independence Day, this person penned a letter to their parents, conveying remorse for not meeting their expectations. They experienced feelings of shame and embarrassment for letting down their parents in front of relatives. The immense weight of this shame drove them to take the tragic step of ending their life by hanging.
Parameswaran, who works for a transport company, had made significant investments in his son’s education in the hopes of him becoming a successful engineer and improving the family’s situation. This familial pressure can be immense for young people and cause them to succumb to the burden of high expectations. The fear of disappointing their parents or not meeting predetermined objectives can push young Malayalis towards extreme actions. “I believed I could remain resilient even when feeling fragile, but ultimately, my vulnerability resulted in these outcomes.”
Hope something positive happens after I die. I have departed this place.”
The above quote, spoken by Nitin Kumar Reddy before his tragic suicide at IIT Madras, reflects the deep despair and hopelessness felt by many young individuals in India. Despite not being a famous line from a Chetan Bhagat novel, these words capture the profound impact of the relentless pursuit of economic growth on the dreams and aspirations of Indian youth.
In our relentless quest for success, we have created an environment that fosters ruthless competition and places immense pressure on young people. The consequences of this pressure are evident in the alarmingly high rates of suicide among Indian youth. In 2009 alone, nearly 3,000 children under the age of 14 took their own lives. Shockingly, when considering the age group of 15-25, this number escalates to 50,000.
The distressing reality is that there are approximately 14 unsuccessful suicide attempts for every successful one, highlighting a concerning situation among the youth in our nation. The signs of this distress are evident: young children being pressured into talent shows, teenagers participating in singing and dancing competitions, and high school students managing a demanding schedule to excel academically and prepare for entrance exams at prestigious institutions like the IITs. Who should be accountable for this state of affairs? Who bears responsibility for Nitin’s death? While some may argue that it is the system that is responsible for these circumstances, shouldn’t we recognize our own role in establishing this system?
We are constantly comparing our children to others, creating an unsustainable situation. Is this the society we have become? Is this what we want? To compete and succeed at any cost. A recent survey shows that almost 85% of parents in urban India discourage their children from pursuing their desired professions. This is likely the primary cause of stress among young people in India, as they end up in careers they don’t enjoy or aren’t compatible with.As previously mentioned, we recognize the symptoms, but truly addressing the root issue rather than merely treating the symptom is the real challenge.
There are four steps to take in order to improve the situation for our children and the youth of tomorrow:
- Identify – It is crucial to listen, observe, and identify the activities that kids enjoy and are interested in. We need to determine which activities they are drawn to and what they truly enjoy doing.
- Analyze – Based on our observations, we should map out the child’s activities and preferences to find sustainable careers that align with those interests. If we lack expertise in a specific field, someone in our network will likely know someone who can provide guidance. Additionally, school counselors and external counselors can offer valuable insights.
After completing the mapping process, it is possible to determine career options that align with the child’s interests and passions. It is important to monitor the child’s progress after making a decision. As children grow, their preferences usually change, so it is crucial to observe and incorporate these changes into their career strategy. Sachin Tendulkar provides an example of someone who excels in a field they find enjoyable – he has dominated cricket for two decades due to his immense passion for the sport.
Recently, I was informed by a friend that a former classmate from high school had sadly committed suicide. At first, I questioned its validity as it appeared to be a joke, but unfortunately, it was confirmed to be real. This individual had always displayed self-assurance and determination, making it difficult to comprehend why they chose such a drastic action. In the following months, everyone pondered the same query: what led to this? Intrigued by the subject of suicide, I decided to investigate further and what I uncovered was astounding.
Statistics indicate that in India, suicide attempts happen every five minutes, making it the third leading cause of death. Additionally, over 100,000 people in India commit suicide each year, with one-third of them being young individuals. These individuals come from different backgrounds and have diverse aspirations and perspectives; however, they all make the tragic decision to end their lives. Currently, Indian youths are considered highly vulnerable as they bear the weight of being future leaders and the foundation of the nation while experiencing overwhelming and confusing emotions.
There is a disparity in educational opportunities for the youth, particularly in professional courses, resulting in immense pressure. Achieving first or second class results is no longer sufficient. Both public and private institutions have created financial burdens for parents. If you believe that getting admission is the most challenging experience for the youth, think again! Securing placements is another formidable task that requires perfection.
Despite being employed, the disparity in salaries is a source of distress. A person who takes pleasure in their work but receives a limited salary is not accepted in society. Many individuals are now willing to sacrifice their work satisfaction for monetary compensation. The pressure of meeting deadlines and the stressful work environment have led to the demise of numerous young people. Friendships and relationships have also played a significant role in this struggle for survival. Young people are too emotionally fragile to resolve any kind of relationship issue.
The issue can vary, ranging from conflicts with close friends to intense misunderstandings and subsequent break-ups with romantic partners, or even familial issues such as parental fights over personal matters or financial problems. However, it is the young population that is severely impacted by these challenges. They carry all these grievances deep within their hearts and eventually decide to give their hearts a permanent rest, just so they can avoid ever facing such adversity again. I hold everyone responsible for this dire situation. While there are numerous youth who pursue their dreams and passions, it is distressing to think that countless young lives are being claimed by this epidemic of suicide.
There is a need to take action in order to diminish it. In the conflict between the yearning for a satisfying existence and societal norms, numerous individuals are left shattered. Although some find a way to heal, most opt for ending their lives. If they possess the bravery to confront the agony of suicide momentarily, why do they lack that same courage to endure the hardship a bit longer? If someone is troubled, all they have to do is communicate. Words hold tremendous power, granting them the ability to perceive through the haze. And perhaps they will never discover what incredible things lie ahead!
