It was a distressing sight to see a young student from a prestigious institute hobbling along a busy highway in an inebriated state in Zuarinagar. Thank God he was not struck by oncoming traffic. The incident was not just alarming — it was a sobering reminder of the immense pressures our students face. This very institute has already been in the spotlight for a series of student suicides linked to academic stress. There is little merit in producing high-ranking graduates if they lack mental balance and emotional resilience. After all, these young minds are the ones expected to build a better future for generations to come.
Educational institutions must recognise that success cannot be measured by grades alone. A healthy learning environment demands an equilibrium between academic excellence and mental well-being. Every institute should have trained counsellors available at all times — not merely as a response to crises, but as proactive guides who engage with students regularly, detect early signs of distress, and provide continuous emotional support. It’s time our institutions moved beyond the obsession with rankings and started nurturing balanced, confident, and compassionate individuals. Only then can education truly serve its purpose.
