A pall of grief and concern has descended following the death of a 24-year-old student at Sharda University in Greater Noida. Shivam Dey, a B.Tech Computer Science student, was found dead in his hostel room on Friday evening. Authorities were promptly notified and took the body into custody for a post-mortem examination, while a forensic team investigated the scene.
The circumstances surrounding Dey's death point to suicide. A note recovered from his room revealed that he had been contemplating this decision for a year. In the note, Dey stated that his death was his own decision, and no one else was responsible. He also expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of India's education system, calling for urgent reforms. He felt that the education system needed correction if the country wanted to achieve greatness. Dey's final requests included organ donation and the return of unused tuition fees to his family.
Dey's family has alleged negligence on the part of the university, stating that they were not informed about his prolonged absence from classes. This has raised serious questions about the monitoring systems and communication protocols within educational institutions.
This tragic incident is not an isolated one. Just last July, another student from the same university, a second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery student, also died by suicide, alleging humiliation and mental harassment by faculty members. This previous incident had already sparked protests on the university campus, highlighting the growing unrest and concerns among students.
The student's death has ignited a debate about the pressures and shortcomings within the Indian education system. The suicide note serves as a stark reminder of the stress and disillusionment that many students face. Concerns include the intense competition, the focus on rote learning, and the lack of adequate mental health support. There is increasing pressure from parents who want their children to excel in careers that the parents choose for them which leads to problematic behavior from the children. The dreams and aspirations of students are often ignored.
The government has taken some steps to address mental health issues, such as the Mental Healthcare Act (MHA, 2017) and helplines like 'Kiran' and initiatives like 'Manodarpan'. However, many feel that systemic changes are needed within the education system itself. Some measures implemented include mandatory screening tests, alphabetical sorting of students into sections instead of ranking-based ones, and specific instructions for operating coaching centers.
Educational institutions are advised to have a policy about memorialization before a student death occurs and to have additional mental health services available. Experts recommend that schools should avoid creating events that glamorize suicide deaths.
The police are currently investigating all angles of the case. The university has yet to release an official statement addressing the concerns raised by Dey's suicide note and the family's allegations. This incident underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive review of the education system, with a focus on student well-being and mental health support. It also highlights the importance of open communication between universities and families, especially when students are struggling.
