Jagadeeshwaran (Left) and his father Selvasekar (Right)
In the heart of Tamil Nadu, a poignant narrative unfolds as numerous students tragically succumb to the overwhelming pressure of NEET exams, coupled with the daunting challenge of securing spots in government medical colleges.
Amidst this disheartening trend, an unprecedented and heart-wrenching incident comes to light, where not only a student but also his father, chose to tragically end their lives.
Chennai’s Chrompet is home to Selvasekar, a professional photographer, whose residence transformed into a scene of tragedy when he took his own life.
Tears welled up in the eyes of his friends, who gathered outside his home with the intention of consoling Selvasekar’s bereaved son. However, their purpose has now shifted; they stand united to pay their final respects.
A Lone Journey of Dreams and Struggles
Separated from his wife, Selvasekar lived with his only son, Jagadeeshwaran. Impressively, Jagadeeshwaran secured 424 out of 500 in his 12th-grade CBSE exams.
With this achievement as a stepping stone, he diligently dedicated two years to preparing for the NEET exams, nurturing the dream of gaining admission to a medical college.
Regrettably, his NEET score fell short of the requirements for a coveted seat in a government medical institution.
The Silent Battle: Suicide’s Complex Reality
Amid the struggle, the harrowing issue of suicide, laden with complex psychological and societal implications, emerges.
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Additionally, fostering open conversations with friends and family about one’s emotions proves essential.
Selvasekar’s decision to re-enroll his son in a coaching center was rooted in their shared dream of medical pursuits.
Monetary investments were made. Tragically, on August 12, Jagadeeshwaran chose to take his own life in solitude.
The loss of his son shattered Selvasekar. In a media interaction on a Sunday, he called for the abolition of NEET exams, expressing, “Discontinuing NEET exams will create a healthier environment. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin promised to eliminate NEET. It’s time he upholds this commitment. I raised my son alone. Now, NEET has claimed him. May no one else endure this tragic fate.”
Tragic Echoes: Another Loss
Following his son’s final rites, Selvasekar’s friends offered solace before leaving, leaving his younger sister at his side.
Tragically, the narrative echoes as Selvasekar ends his life on a melancholic Monday morning. Friends speculate that loneliness weighed heavily on him, driving him to this heart-wrenching decision.
The struggle of hope and heartache continues among Jagadeeshwaran’s friends. While he and his companions dreamt of careers in medicine, his NEET scores over two years fell short for admission to a government medical institution.
Aware of his father’s financial limitations, Jagadeeshwaran courageously confronted the exams once again and financed his coaching. During the same period, a friend secured a government medical college seat, followed by admission to a private one.
Among Jagadeeshwaran’s friends, the suspicion of depression lingers. Santosh, a friend, revealed that Jagadeeshwaran extended solace to fellow NEET exam strugglers, advising against impulsive decisions.
Aditya, another friend, excelled academically but couldn’t secure a spot in a government medical college.
Varamathi, Jagadeeshwaran’s teacher and neighbor, shared that becoming a doctor constituted Jagadeeshwaran’s dream.
She conveyed, “Neither his father nor external forces coerced Jagadeeshwaran toward medical studies. The reasoning behind his decision eludes me.”
Amidst the relentless pursuit of dreams, this heartrending tale sheds light on the silent battles individuals face, offering a poignant reminder of the need for compassion, support, and understanding during life’s most challenging moments.
