Tragic Consequences of Parental Pressure: A Young Life Lost Over NEET Scores

A Heartbreaking Incident in Maharashtra

In a tragic event in Sangli, Maharashtra, a 17-year-old girl lost her life after being brutally beaten by her father due to her unsatisfactory performance in a mock test for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Despite achieving an impressive 95% in her Plus II examinations, the immense pressure from parental and societal expectations ultimately led to her demise. Such incidents are increasingly prevalent in India, where the pursuit of becoming a doctor or engineer is often viewed as the pinnacle of success. This societal mindset, characterized by unrealistic expectations from parents, has tragically cut short the lives of many young individuals.

Kota, a city in Rajasthan renowned for its NEET coaching centers, has unfortunately earned the grim title of the suicide capital for NEET aspirants. The overwhelming pressure to succeed in NEET has resulted in numerous students grappling with mental health challenges, with some tragically choosing to end their lives. Despite media attention highlighting the struggles faced by students in Kota, little has changed. Once a student successfully passes the exam, the family celebrates, but the student is thrust into another grueling phase of medical education, often under severe stress.

The relentless pressure does not cease upon graduation. Many medical professionals find themselves facing hostility in government hospitals, while in corporate settings, they are pressured to meet targets related to patient admissions and treatments. The core principle of service, which should define the medical profession, often diminishes during this phase, transforming doctors into sales agents focused on profit rather than patient care. In a country where many families are just one illness away from financial ruin, the commercialization of healthcare continues to draw more students into the field, evidenced by the increasing number of medical colleges despite the emergence of various other career paths in the digital age.

The Indian fixation on medical and engineering careers stems from a lack of entrepreneurial spirit, where starting a business is often discouraged. From an early age, children are conditioned to excel academically and aspire to become doctors, engineers, or civil servants, while other professions, regardless of their potential for fulfillment or financial success, are deemed inferior. This mindset contributes to the lament over the absence of successful athletes, artists, and business leaders, as parents often restrict their children from exploring diverse career paths during critical decision-making moments. Although the internet and social media have opened up numerous opportunities for young people to showcase their talents and earn a living, the traditional education system remains entrenched in valuing academic performance above all else. Creative pursuits such as sports, music, and art are often relegated to the status of 'extra-curricular' activities. This dangerous obsession with academics, particularly in the medical field, is stifling the potential of many bright students who could excel in careers of their choosing. It is imperative for society and families to ease their grip and allow young individuals to pursue their passions and find fulfillment in their chosen professions.