Two suicides cast doubts over efficacy of UoH counsellors

Hyderabad: Hyderabad: University of Hyderabad (UoH) has witnessed the third suicide attempt with Rajneesh Parmesh, since mid May this year. Out of the three attempts, two lost their lives and one sustained injuries. 

University has a mechanism of counselling the students. There are two counsellors, one male and one female, who are available in  the varsity for the students. And yet, despite this, there are suicide attempts, bringing to the fore the question of effectiveness of these counsellors.

One of the University Student Board members said that though there is a mechanism of counselling to students in University, that is not helping them cope up with the environment. Students from different backgrounds come here and there are different needs to be addressed. Most students face the academic and peer pressure in the initial stages.

Last time when a Research scholar attempted suicide by setting herself on fire in her hostel room in May, she sustained forty percent burns. The reason for the attempt she said, was academic pressure and that she could not qualify in the National Eligibility Test (NET).

Another girl who committed suicide in July by jumping off the 14th floor, was reportedly depressed for not having cleared the varsity examinations, according to the police. Time and again academic pressure and peer pressure is leading students towards this extreme step.

Regarding help with the academic pressure, a University official said that there are special classes conducted for civil services and National Eligibility Tests for students who are in need.

Students Union president, Mr. Sreerag, said, “We usually conduct street plays and other activities for students so that they mingle with one another and the environment. But we are working on this and we will come up with better ideas to avoid these kind of incidents in future.”