Ajit John
PANJIM: On Thursday, a 20-year-old student at BITS Pilani’s Goa campus was found dead in his hostel room. It was the third such incident on the campus in just five months, sparking the question: What is driving students to such extremes?
Psychologists and counsellors point to two factors — academic performance and parental expectations — as key contributors to a growing mental health crisis among students. “With rapidly evolving curricula and fierce competition for jobs, students are under constant pressure to perform,” said Ciprian Fernandes, a youth counsellor at NS College, Vasco. “When they face setbacks, they tend to buckle under pressure. They’re not emotionally mature yet. Older adults might say ‘this too shall pass,’ but many youths can’t handle grief,” he explained.
A major concern, Fernandes added, is the emotional disconnect between students and their families. “When students open up about their problems, parents often dismiss them as trivial. That sense of not being understood adds to their distress.”
While academic stress is the primary concern, Fernandes noted that personal and relationship issues also contribute to the burden, though these often go unspoken in counselling sessions. “Family expectations around studies and jobs are a major stressor. While graduation rates in Goa are high, job opportunities are limited. This mismatch is a serious concern.”
Students themselves are feeling the weight. Nathania Baptista, a third-year computer engineering student at Don Bosco College of Engineering in Margao, recalled struggling through her second year. “There was so much to study and no time for anything else. I was overwhelmed. I started singing with my dad, who’s a musician. That helped me cope. Living with my family made it easier.”
Her collegemate, Malcolm Antao, echoed her experience. “The subjects were hard and the syllabus was vast. It was tough to manage. Some people in college added to my stress, but I got through it thanks to friends who supported and encouraged me.”
Afreen Khan, a counsellor at a college in Panjim, said that many students suffer in silence, often because they are following paths chosen by others. “Sometimes students opt for courses chosen by parents or others, not knowing what they truly want. That causes inner conflict. Our job is to help them find their own direction,” she said.
Khan emphasised that external expectations can begin weighing on students well before graduation. “With intense competition for jobs, the pressure starts early. Add a lack of emotional resilience, and it becomes a recipe for distress.”
Dr Leann Mesquita, a psychologist based in Margao, believes a shift in mindset is urgently needed — both at home and in college environments. “Parents must be taught to talk not just about success but also about failure. Teachers can make a difference by being supportive and creating a safe space,” she said.
She called for practical, preventive strategies. “Right now, students are under immense pressure to score marks. We need a solution-oriented approach — planning, time management, and open communication can go a long way. But we have to take it seriously.”
The rising number of student suicides serves as a sobering warning. Without meaningful changes in how families, institutions, and society address academic stress and emotional wellbeing, experts fear the crisis will only deepen.
Velim MLA demands measures to ensure
safety, well-being
of students
Team Herald
MARGAO: The tragic death of a second BITS Pilani Goa student within two months has prompted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Velim MLA Cruz Silva to issue a strong appeal to the institute authorities, calling for urgent action to address campus safety and student welfare. “The loss of another young life under such distressing circumstances demands immediate and thorough investigation,” Silva said in an emotional statement.
Extending his deepest sympathies to the grieving families, Silva emphasised, “We stand in solidarity with the students and families affected, and we call upon the administration to take immediate action to safeguard the well-being of its students.” He stressed that the institute must conduct a transparent inquiry into the incidents, stating, “Understanding the root causes is essential to ensuring the safety of all students on campus.”
The Velim MLA also highlighted the urgent need for better mental health support, saying, “The pressures of academic life can be overwhelming, and it is imperative that institutions provide accessible and effective psychological support to prevent further tragedies.” He warned that without systemic changes, vulnerable students may continue to suffer in silence.
His statement concluded with a firm demand: “We urge the authorities at BITS Pilani to act now—not with empty assurances, but with concrete measures that protect students and restore trust.”