In a tragic incident that has once again shaken the conscience of our society, a young JEE aspirant was found dead in his rented room in Kupwara. Just two points—a mere two points—became the reason for his despair. The dreams he carried, the aspirations he nurtured, all crumbled under the weight of expectations. His body was sent back to his home—but what about the message his silence leaves behind?
This is not just an isolated incident. It is the echo of a system where academic results are considered the only barometer of success, and where failure in exams is equated with failure in life. In many homes, the pressure from parents, combined with societal standards and peer comparison, creates an invisible noose that tightens around the tender minds of our youth. Many students, unable to bear the emotional burden, fall into depression, substance abuse, or worse—end their lives.
The Pressure Cooker Called “Expectation”
In most Indian households, success is narrowly defined: either you crack NEET or JEE—or you are a failure. But is life really that small? Is a number on a sheet of paper enough to measure a human being’s worth? Parents often push their children to fulfill dreams that are not even their own. The student becomes a vessel to carry family hopes, community prestige, and even revenge against past regrets. But children are not machines—they are souls with unique potential. When we force them into molds that don’t fit them, we risk breaking them completely.
As Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how. The tragedy is that many students are never allowed to discover their own ‘why’—their own passion, purpose, or meaning.
Beyond NEET & JEE: The Infinite Possibilities of Life
Yes, JEE and NEET are prestigious, but they are not the only paths to success. History is filled with examples of people who failed in exams but succeeded in life. Albert Einstein was once considered a failure in school. Steve Jobs was a college dropout. APJ Abdul Kalam failed to become a fighter pilot—but went on to become the Missile Man of India and the President of the nation.
Students need to understand that exams are temporary, but life is a beautiful, lifelong journey. There are hundreds of career options, thousands of talents, and millions of opportunities waiting outside the boundaries of NEET and JEE.
A Message to Parents and Society
- Your child is not your second chance at life. They are not here to fulfill your incomplete dreams. Understand their abilities, their interests, and their pace.
- Even if they fail, tell them it’s okay. Remind them that one failure doesn’t define their future.
- Be their safe place, not another source of pressure. Don’t be the reason they look for escape in drugs, addiction, or self-harm.
To Students Who Are Struggling:
Your life is more precious than any result. The pain you feel now will pass. Do not let the opinion of the world decide your fate. There is always another chance, another path, another sunrise waiting for you.
In the words of Rumi: “Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead, let life live through you.” Let this incident not be another forgotten headline. Let it be a wake-up call. Life is bigger than any exam. And every life—every single one—is priceless.
Life Is Priceless: JEE & NEET Are Not the Only Destinations
(Author is PhD in Botany. Feedback: [email protected])
