Subject: Urgent Need for Policies Prioritizing Student Well-Being in India's Education System
Dear concerned authorities,
I am writing to you with a sense of urgency about the state of education in India, particularly the alarming number of young students dying by suicide due to academic pressure and discrimination. The recent deaths of nine students in Andhra Pradesh after the results of class 11 and 12 exams were declared is just one example of this heartbreaking reality. In Gujarat alone, 3,002 students died by suicide in the last five years, according to the NCRB’s Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) report.
This is not normal by any regard. It is a crisis that cannot continue.
As a concerned citizen and an advocate for change, I urge you to take immediate action to address this crisis. Discrimination based on identity and background continues to plague our education system, making it harder for students to succeed. The pressure to perform is overwhelming, and it's taking a toll on the mental health of India's students.
It is essential that policies prioritizing student well-being be implemented immediately, with a focus on mental health support, non-discriminatory practices, and an emphasis on the holistic development of students. The current education system places too much emphasis on grades and academic performance, without regard for the overall well-being of the students.
I urge you to take a comprehensive approach to this issue, working with educators, mental health experts, and student representatives to develop policies that prioritize student well-being. This will not only benefit the students but also the education system as a whole.
I am committed to this cause and will continue to advocate for change through the #KakshaCrisis campaign. I hope that you will join us in this effort to make lasting change for the future of India's students.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
Shivam Sharma