Why did an IIT student commit suicide?

 

I have been reading with interest about the case of an unfortunate suicide committed by an IIT student. Though as usual the politicians are using the sad incident to their own advantage, as an ex-student of IIT, I felt I should express my opinion about the incident.

I was a student of IIT Bombay way back in the late 1960’s. Even though some believe that studies were less competitive compared to today in those days (I don’t agree but more about it later) every year we used to have one suicide. It was a given that someone will end his life every year. So, suicides are nothing new to IIT.

IITs pick the best of best students from across the country through a highly competitive exam. Only the cream of the student crop is able to get in. It is well known that it is tougher to get into IIT than any of the top USA universities. So, all those entering the institute are used to getting top ranks in their schools and colleges. It is taken for granted by them, their family and friends that they will be at the top in any academic test they give. Now in IIT everyone is a topper so in the first few exams someone is at the top of the class and someone has to be at the bottom. The students at the bottom are just not able to accept this fact. If one of them is highly disturbed by this turn of events and can’t accept this situation, s/he may take the ultimate escape route of a suicide. It is extremely sad but true. This may not be the only reason for taking the extreme step but I think it is one of the major reasons.

What is the solution? I think the institute has taken steps in the right direction by providing psychological counselling to all the students. The people close to the student such as family and friends should also accept that bottom of the class in IIT is at the top of any other STEM institute in India and probably the world. It should also be clear that at the end of the course, the student at the bottom will also get job opportunities though they may not be as lucrative as the ones showcased in media. It is also important to understand that an IIT degree is only a stepping stone to one’s career and life. The topper from IIT may not be as successful in life as a mediocre student there, as he may have talents not apparent in studies.

Now coming to the question of parents and students complaining about how academics are getting more and more competitive day by day. Well in my time the population of India was half of what it is today but the number of seats in all IITs together were approximately 2000. Today the number of seats available are 16,600+ i. e. over 8 times what they were in 1960’s and 70’s. So, guys stop complaining and start studying! You don’t need to be a genius but a good logical thinker to clear the entrance exams.