The student, who hailed from a family of doctors, was found dead in his Pune residence over the weekend. Initial investigations by Pune police suggest that the young man died by suicide. His family, friends, and teachers were left in shock, as there were reportedly no outward signs of distress in the days leading up to the tragedy.
In a heartbreaking turn, the student left a detailed note on WhatsApp, addressed to his family and close friends. In the message, he expressed feelings of overwhelming academic pressure, self-doubt, and the burden of expectations. He apologized for his decision and urged his loved ones not to blame themselves. The student’s father, a respected doctor, is devastated by the loss. The family had high hopes for their son’s future in medicine, making the incident even more poignant.
Across India, there has been a worrying increase in suicides among students, particularly those preparing for or pursuing careers in medicine and engineering. The intense competition, fear of failure, and societal expectations can create immense psychological stress.
Similar cases have been reported at other top institutions, including Aligarh Muslim University and in coaching hubs like Kota, where high academic pressure has led to multiple student suicides in recent years. Friends and roommates often report that victims appeared “normal” before the incident, highlighting the silent nature of mental health struggles.
Many students feel compelled to meet the high expectations of their families, especially when coming from professional backgrounds. Mental health experts stress the importance of open dialogue, emotional support, and professional counseling for students facing stress and anxiety. Educational institutions are being urged to offer more robust mental health resources, including counseling services and stress management programs.