Uttar Pradesh Student Dies by Suicide: Emotional Note to Parents Sparks Concern Over Academic Pressure

A 19-year-old Bachelor of Science student tragically took his own life in Phaphamau, Uttar Pradesh, leaving behind a heartbreaking note for his parents. The incident highlights the increasing pressure faced by students preparing for competitive exams in India.

Found Dead in His Room

The student had been staying alone in a rented house while his parents traveled to their hometown in Bhadohi. On Monday morning, the landlord noticed that the door had been closed for an unusually long time. Concerned, he peeked through the window and saw the student hanging from the ceiling.

The landlord immediately contacted the police, and officers arrived at the scene. They recovered the body and sent it for a post-mortem examination. Preliminary findings suggest suicide by hanging.

Emotional Note Left Behind

While searching the room, the police discovered a note written by the student. It read: “Forgive me, Mummy-Papa. I could not become a good son.” These words, though simple, reveal the emotional turmoil he may have endured. SHO Ashiwani Kumar Singh stated that the note indicated a deep sense of guilt and regret.

The message has left the community stunned and his family devastated. It offers a glimpse into the struggles of a young man overwhelmed by emotional or academic pressure.

A Dream Dashed by Pressure?

The student was in his second year of college and preparing for government exams conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). He viewed these exams as a path to a stable future, not just for himself but also for his family.

The pressure to succeed in these exams is immense, fueled by societal, parental, and peer expectations. Many students find themselves grappling with the fear of failure, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and despair — emotions all too familiar in student suicide cases.

While it is unclear if academic failure directly led to the tragedy, balancing university studies and intense exam preparation likely took a toll on his mental state.

Not an Isolated Case

On the same day, another student, 22-year-old Aniket Walkar from Maharashtra, was found dead in his hostel room at IIT Kharagpur. Police suspect suicide in that case as well, though investigations are ongoing.

The two tragic deaths on the same day underscore the worrying trend of student suicides. Despite their academic brilliance and aspirations, many students silently suffer from mental health struggles that go unnoticed — until it’s too late.

The Silent Epidemic of Academic Stress

Suicides among students in India have been on the rise, with thousands of young lives lost each year due to overwhelming academic expectations, fear of failure, and lack of emotional support. In many households, academic success is a non-negotiable expectation, putting immense pressure on students to perform.

This pressure often comes at the cost of mental well-being. Students, especially those in higher education or preparing for competitive exams, are expected to dedicate years to intense preparation, sometimes with little support for their emotional health.

Lack of Mental Health Infrastructure

Despite increasing awareness, mental health support remains inaccessible for many, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. Stigma around issues like depression and anxiety discourages many students from seeking help. They fear being labeled as weak or incapable.

Many educational institutions offer mental health services, but these are often understaffed or not utilized effectively. Students may hesitate to approach counselors due to fears of judgment or confidentiality breaches.

To prevent more tragedies, institutions need to integrate mental health services into their regular offerings. Students need a safe space to discuss their struggles, not just during crises, but as part of their overall academic experience.

What Needs to Change

The loss of this 19-year-old student, whose dreams for a better future were crushed by overwhelming pressure, must not be in vain. His note, filled with regret, reminds us of the crushing weight of unmet expectations.

Educational institutions, families, and society as a whole must reconsider how they define success. Aspirations are important, but they must be accompanied by compassion, emotional care, and open communication. Students must understand that their worth isn’t defined solely by their academic achievements.

Moreover, early signs of mental health distress — such as social withdrawal, fatigue, or feelings of hopelessness — should be identified and addressed promptly by educators, peers, and families.

Final Words

As the parents return from Bhadohi, their hearts broken by the loss of their only child, one can only imagine the emotional agony of reading their son’s final words. The grief is unimaginable.

However, perhaps this tragedy can spark a conversation — one that prioritizes mental health, encourages open discussions about emotional struggles, and ensures that no student faces these pressures alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or emotional distress, please reach out for help. Support is available, and seeking assistance is an act of strength, not weakness.