The Pressure of Academic Excellence
In the pursuit of academic excellence, many students face immense pressure and stress. Tragically, we often hear about students who succumb to depression or are unable to cope with the expectations placed upon them by their parents and teachers. To address the rising number of student suicides due to academic stress, the Indian government has recently issued guidelines to prevent these tragic events.
In the city of Kota, known as India’s test preparation center, there have already been 25 student suicide deaths in 2023 alone. However, it’s important to remember that there is a world beyond grades and report cards. While good marks may open doors to prestigious colleges and secure job opportunities, they do not guarantee happiness.
Understanding the World Beyond Grades
Screenwriter-author Shaheen Bhatt, who has personally battled depression, raises thought-provoking questions about the societal and parental expectations that burden students. In a motivational post, she writes about how “success” has become synonymous with high marks, grades, and scores. However, she emphasizes that these achievements represent only one aspect of a student’s abilities and potential.
Bhatt asserts that there is a world beyond report cards, one that values the unique talents, creativity, empathy, and emotional intelligence of individuals. She encourages students, parents, and academicians to recognize and prioritize these qualities alongside academic achievements.
Dealing with Academic Stress
While stress and pressure are sometimes inevitable, there are steps that can be taken to help students navigate through this challenging period:
- Parents should communicate with their children and provide unwavering support. Openly discussing their concerns and struggles can alleviate the overwhelming pressure students often feel.
- Students should understand that marks are not everything. Education is not solely about memorizing facts, but about nurturing well-rounded individuals who can tackle life’s challenges with resilience and empathy.
- Encouraging students to communicate about their stress and seek help when needed. Talking to loved ones or professionals can provide much-needed support.
- Education should be seen as a journey of growth and evolution, rather than a race to secure the highest grades. It should empower students, not suffocate them. Learning should be the focus, not just scoring.
Ultimately, success should not come at the expense of happiness. It is crucial for parents, teachers, and society as a whole to prioritize the importance of learning and personal development over the pressure to achieve high scores.
Shaheen Bhatt acknowledges the support she received from her parents who never put excessive pressure on her to obtain top marks. Despite this, she still experienced an unknown weight of expectations in the academic system. As a society, we can strive to create an education system that values knowledge and growth rather than solely emphasizing marks and grades.
