When Did Exams Become More Important Than Grief?
Recently, heartbreaking incidents have raised a crucial question—have we, as a society, lost our way? In Kolkata, a Class X student gave her board exam right after losing her mother in a road accident. In Tamil Nadu, a Class 12 student wrote his exam just hours after his mother passed away. While their resilience is commendable, does this reflect our Indian traditions and values?
India has always emphasized family, emotions, and togetherness. Yet, the pressure to prioritize exams over personal loss shows a concerning shift in our mindset. Economist Sanjeev Sanyal aptly questioned, "Have we lost the plot as a society when a child is made to feel that an exam is more important than their mother’s death?"
Education is vital, but not at the cost of emotional well-being. It’s time we rethink our approach, ensuring that students are given the space to grieve and heal, rather than forcing them to choose between personal tragedy and academic expectations.
What's your opinion on this?