Expressing grave concern over rise in incidents of suicide due to exam failure and competitions, senior BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha today suggested need for a serious discussion on how to relieve students of excessive mental stress.
Sinha was speaking at a function on the occasion of the release of a book 'Suicide? There is always a tomorrow' by senior journalist Sanjay Sinha.
"The issue must be debated in society in order to protect precious lives of our students who are under excessive mental stress," he said, adding that it was not only surprising but heart-rending to know that failure in examinations and competition accounted for about two per cent of total suicides in India in 2014.
Referring to the book which talks about plan B or C in the event of failure of one's cherished dream, the BJP MP said people especially youths must have their plan B or C ready.
"Fight it out. This is the art we have to teach our children," he said.
Bihar Education Minister Ashok Choudhary suggested that the book should be published in Hindi so that it can be read by the masses.
"The book will certainly work as mirror for parents," he said.
Anand Kumar, founder of 'Super 30' whose 28 out of 30 students made it to IIT this year, said that the book intends to bring positive thoughts. He said that it will prove to be handy for teachers and policy makers and those who have commercialised educational institutions.
Sanjay Sinha, the author, said the book dealt with a very sensitive subject that has gripped the society and younger generation.
As per National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) data, a total of 2,403 suicides due to failure in competition and examination was recorded in 2014. Bihar accounted for 82 untimely deaths of students in that year, he said.
Similarly, Kota, the coaching hub of India, witnessed 25 suicides in past 5 years on this count, he added.
