Where there is no vision, the people perish

15 May Where there is no vision, the people perish

THIS ARTICLE COVERS ‘DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS’ AND THE TOPIC DETAILS OF “The ill effects of education system ”. THIS TOPIC IS RELEVANT IN THE “Society ” SECTION OF THE UPSC CSE EXAM.

Context

This article appeared in the Hindu which is highlighting the ill effects of our education system which only focuses on rote learning and the rat race. This is being reflected in the Increasing number of suicides which are happening in Kota city. The reasons behind these suicides are increasing familial and peer pressure which forces a child to take such a step when not able to handle the pressure.

More about the article

In recent times, the corridors of Kota, Rajasthan, echoed with tragic tales of despair as two young souls chose to end their lives, succumbing to the immense pressure of competitive examinations. These distressing incidents shine a harsh light on the relentless burden our youth face, a burden that often proves unbearable. Every year, across the expanse of India, similar tragedies unfold, each one a poignant reminder of the silent suffering endured by countless young minds.

Reasons for rising suicides 

The increasing rate of student suicides in India can be attributed to a multitude of factors:

1. Academic Pressure: The intense pressure to excel academically, particularly in a highly competitive educational environment like India, can lead to immense stress among students. The emphasis on scoring high marks to secure admission in prestigious institutions or to meet parental expectations can become overwhelming.
2. High Expectations: Expectations from family, teachers, and society to perform exceptionally well academically can create a sense of failure and hopelessness in students if they are unable to meet these expectations.
3. Lack of Mental Health Support: There’s still a stigma surrounding mental health in many parts of India, and students might hesitate to seek help due to fear of judgment or lack of awareness about available support services.
4. Isolation and Loneliness: The competitive environment and focus on academic achievement can sometimes isolate students, leading to feelings of loneliness and alienation, which can exacerbate mental health issues.
5. Financial Stress: Financial constraints can also contribute to stress among students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, who may face additional pressure to perform well academically to secure scholarships or financial aid.
6. Relationship Issues: Relationship problems, whether with family members, friends, or romantic partners, can significantly impact a student’s mental well-being and contribute to feelings of despair.
7. Poor Coping Mechanisms: Some students may lack effective coping mechanisms to deal with stress and adversity, leading them to resort to extreme measures like suicide when faced with overwhelming challenges.
8. Social Media and Cyberbullying: The rise of social media has introduced new challenges for students, including cyberbullying, which can have devastating effects on mental health and self-esteem.

Problem in the Competitive nature of system 

Coaching institutes in India can contribute to an erosion of the learning process in several ways, which can ultimately increase the chances of student suicides:

1. Focus on Rote Learning: Many coaching institutes prioritize rote memorization and exam-specific strategies over deep understanding and critical thinking. This approach can undermine genuine learning and intellectual development, as students may prioritize short-term memorization of facts and formulas. This shallow approach to learning can lead to feelings of frustration, inadequacy, and hopelessness, especially if students struggle to keep up with the pace or fail to achieve desired results despite their efforts.
2. Pressure to Perform: The intense competition and emphasis on exam results in coaching institutes can create an environment of extreme pressure and stress for students. The constant pressure to perform well in exams, coupled with the fear of failure and disappointment from family and peers, can take a significant toll on students’ mental health. This pressure cooker environment can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and despair, ultimately increasing the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior among students who feel overwhelmed and hopeless about their academic prospects.
3. Limited Personal Growth: Coaching institutes often prioritize exam-centric learning at the expense of holistic personal growth and development. Students may find themselves trapped in a cycle of relentless studying, with little time or opportunity to pursue interests outside of their academic pursuits. The lack of balance and fulfillment in students’ lives can contribute to feelings of emptiness and disillusionment, further exacerbating mental health issues and increasing the risk of suicidal behavior.
4. Failure to Meet Expectations: Despite their best efforts, not all students are able to achieve the desired results in coaching institute exams or entrance exams. The discrepancy between students’ aspirations and their actual performance can lead to feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness, and self-doubt. Students may internalize these feelings of failure and perceive suicide as a way to escape the overwhelming sense of disappointment and shame associated with not meeting societal or familial expectations.
5. Lack of social skills: the proliferation of coaching institutes and their adoption of often draconian methods have proven overwhelming for many young individuals. Those who do manage to succeed in these fiercely competitive exams often do so at the cost of a normal adolescence or teenage experience. These “successful” candidates often emerge as mere automatons, lacking essential social skills and the ability to engage in meaningful communication beyond the confines of their exam-focused subjects. 

Towards a brighter future 

Addressing the challenges posed by the proliferation of coaching institutes and their detrimental effects on students’ well-being requires a multi-pronged approach:

1. Reforming the Education System: There needs to be a fundamental reevaluation of the education system to reduce the reliance on high-stakes entrance exams as the sole determinant of academic success. This could involve exploring alternative methods of assessment that focus on holistic development rather than rote memorization.
2. Strengthening School Education: Emphasize the importance of quality school education by improving teaching standards, updating curricula to promote critical thinking and creativity, and providing adequate resources and support for both students and teachers.
3. Regulating Coaching Institutes: Implement regulations to ensure that coaching institutes adhere to certain standards of quality, transparency, and ethical practices. This could include measures such as mandatory accreditation, regular inspections, and penalties for institutes found to be exploiting students or engaging in unethical behavior.
4. Promoting Mental Health Awareness: Increase awareness about mental health issues among students, parents, and educators, and provide access to mental health support services within schools and communities. This could involve integrating mental health education into school curricula, training teachers to recognize signs of distress, and establishing counseling centers in educational institutions.
5. Encouraging Balanced Lifestyles: Encourage students to pursue a balanced lifestyle that includes not only academic pursuits but also extracurricular activities, hobbies, and social interactions. Schools can play a role in promoting a healthy work-life balance by offering a variety of activities and resources outside of academics.
6. Parental Education and Support: Provide parents with resources and support to help them understand the importance of a balanced approach to education and the potential harms of excessive academic pressure. Encourage parents to prioritize their children’s overall well-being and development rather than solely focusing on academic achievement.
7. Promoting Alternative Pathways: Encourage students to explore alternative pathways to success beyond traditional academic routes. This could include vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, or opportunities for apprenticeships and hands-on learning experiences.
8. Advocacy and Policy Change: Advocate for policy changes at the national and state levels to address the root causes of the coaching institute culture, including issues related to education inequality, societal pressures, and the commercialization of education.

By implementing these strategies in a coordinated manner, we can work towards creating a more balanced and supportive educational environment that prioritizes the well-being and holistic development of students.

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Ankit Kumar

Hello friends, I am Ankit Kumar here at Plutus Ias to provide you with some really insightful content that will help you prepare for UPSC. Here is a brief introduction about me
I have written 2023 mains examination, UGC net JRF qualified and worked in several UPSC coachings as PSIR and current affairs mentor and faculty. Apart from this, I am also a student like you and a lifelong learner working in this profession, which I love.