I wish to draw attention to the alarming rise in student suicides, particularly at the BITS Pilani KK Birla Goa Campus. In the past two years alone, six students have reportedly died by suicide, with academic pressure cited as a major factor. The recent death of a 20-year-old third-year engineering female student has once again highlighted the gravity of the situation. This is not an isolated problem. The Supreme Court of India has described student suicides as a “suicide epidemic,” with over 13,000 students dying every year. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, students account for 7.6 per cent of all suicide deaths in the country. These figures underline a deep-rooted crisis in India’s education system. Mental health professionals have repeatedly stressed the need for robust counselling services and support systems on college campuses. Alongside academic stress, substance abuse is also a growing concern, with alcohol and drugs easily accessible to students. Educational institutions must take immediate responsibility and prioritize students’ mental well-being before more young lives are lost.
