A 26-year-old student preparing for the civil services exam in Delhi died by suicide, leaving behind a heartbreaking note that sheds light on the struggles of aspiring civil servants in India. The student, a native of Maharashtra’s Akola, was found hanging at her PG in Old Rajendra Nagar on July 21st. She had been living in Delhi for the past four years, dedicated to achieving her dream of clearing the UPSC exam in her first attempt.
In her suicide note, she expressed her deep despair, writing, “I am sorry Mummy Papa. I am really fed up with life now, and there are just problems and issues with no peace. I need peace. I tried every possible way to get rid of this so-called depression, but I can’t overcome it.” She detailed her struggles with depression and urged the government to take action against fraud in government exams, create more job opportunities for young people, and reduce the exorbitant rents faced by students living in PGs and hostels.
Her note also revealed a deeply personal plea, requesting her parents to donate her organs and even advocating for the legalization of euthanasia.
While the police are investigating the case, the victim’s family has alleged that she was also facing harassment from a man. The deceased woman’s friend revealed to the media that she had expressed concerns about the rising rent of her hostel and had been forced to vacate it on August 5th.
This tragic incident comes amidst the deaths of three other IAS aspirants in Old Rajendra Nagar, who perished in a waterlogged basement of a coaching center due to heavy rainfall last week. Following the incident, the Delhi government sealed the basements of 30 coaching centers and issued notices to 200 institutions.
The student’s suicide note serves as a stark reminder of the immense pressure faced by young people pursuing their dreams in India, particularly those preparing for highly competitive exams. It underscores the need for systemic reforms to address issues like exam fraud, limited job opportunities, and the exorbitant cost of living for students, as well as the urgent need to provide mental health support to those facing overwhelming pressure.
