A NEET aspirant from Uttar Pradesh has passed away in Rajasthan’s Kota, while another student, a JEE aspirant, has been missing for the past week. The deceased student, Shivam Raghav, succumbed to illness after being rushed to the hospital, while the missing student, Rachit Saundhya, has not been located since leaving the hostel. These incidents have raised concerns about the well-being of coaching students in Kota, a renowned hub for JEE and NEET preparation.
Shivam Raghav, a 21-year-old NEET aspirant from Aligarh, suffered from high sugar levels and blood pressure for the past six months. He was admitted to MBS Hospital when his condition deteriorated, and sadly, he passed away on Sunday. Raghav’s death marks the second incident of a coaching student passing away due to illness in Kota within four days, following the mysterious death of JEE aspirant Parmeet Raj Roy.
In addition to Raghav’s passing, 16-year-old JEE student Rachit Saundhya has been reported missing for the past eight days after leaving the hostel to take a test. The police have been actively searching for Saundhya, with his bag and slippers being found near the Chambal River. The authorities have expressed concerns about the dangers in the area, including crocodiles and ravines.
Amidst these troubling events, outgoing SP Sharat Chowdhary has highlighted the need for emotional support for coaching students, especially around the time of exam results. He emphasized the need for students to have a support system in place, regardless of their academic outcomes, to help address the pressure and stress they face.
The recent tragedies in Kota have reignited discussions about the mental and emotional well-being of coaching students, with four students having taken their lives this year and 29 JEE and NEET aspirants having ended their lives last year. Authorities and educational institutions are being urged to prioritize the mental health support for students undergoing rigorous exam preparation in Kota.
The incidents of illness and disappearance have raised concerns about the pressures faced by coaching students and the need for a comprehensive support system to ensure their well-being amidst the academic challenges they endure.
–IANS
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