The sudden demise of an 11th grader of the school through the means of suicide, has shook the entire student community of JVM Shyamali, Ranchi, Jharkhand. As per sources, the child was suffering from mental pressure and depression because of his exams; leading him to attempt suicide at his home in March 2022. 

 

Considering the effect of mental trauma and the inability of a teenager to express one's issues with teachers, family and friends, the student union of JVM Shyamali, Ranchi, with all due respect, demands a student mental health counselor in the campus. 

 

The new generation of youngsters engages with multiple drawbacks of academic and social life. The rising competition in each field of career has emerged the need for mental health counselling and guidance. In every school of India, along with corrective discipline which has been given a priority inside the campus, there is an immediate need for mindful practice of interaction between students and teachers. The lack of understanding and implementation of incorrect measures to make a student more disciplined, is causing much unhealthy behaviour in youngsters and guiding them towards wrongful ideas of adolescence. Therefore, the students of JVM Shyamali, Ranchi are willing to take an initiative to bring positive reform in the school campus with the request to the higher authorities for hiring a student mental health counselor ; hoping that other schools that do not have a counselor, also think upon the idea. 

 

We, the student union of JVM Shyamali, Mecon colony, Doranda, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India, request our principal Mr. Samarjit Jana sir to adhere with our appeal, taking into consideration the following points—

 

• Why do we need a counselor?

 

The question is, why not? If mentorship and guidance is important for studies and career, is it not healthy to keep a security for our mental state? Teenagers face a lot than the adults know and realize. The realistic world is very different from the idealistic one where climbing the stairs of success only takes hardwork. It takes patience, mental peace, emotional support, understanding, and a lot more. When we fall sick, we see a doctor. Physical illness holds no shame. Then why should one suffer in silence for their mental condition? Expressing emotions can be a great path to figuring out the best for oneself. The school holds the responsibility for academic pressure on students. That being the case the school needs to provide someone who can listen, understand and guide. 

 

• Why teachers cannot fill in the space of a counselor?

 

The school has, at different phases, appointed a regular teacher for the purpose of student counselling, which has however, not worked appropriately. Students are found to be uncomfortable sharing their thoughts with their teacher, as they are primarily meant for mentoring academically. The professional and strict portrayal of the teacher do not allow them to get emotionally close with children. Hence, an outsider with a persona of empathetic and non- judgemental character would make teenagers open up to them. 

 

• What age group the counselor needs to be in?

 

It's high time the school should realize that a 50 year old adult can never understand the feelings of a 15 year old. Generation gap is a real thing. What was not relevant in early days of schooling in the 70s, 80s and 90s, is now a crucial part of student life; like dealing with academic depression. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a person within the age of 20-30 to reduce the generation gap by the most. 

 

P.S - No disrespect, defamation or action of protest is intended against the school. This petition is wholly the indication of students' peaceful demand. We are not meaning to take any stand for gestures against our respected principal, teachers or the school. No student signing this petition is opposed to the school or has the objective to spread hate or target the school. Showing gratitude towards the school community with hope that this matter will be contemplated for the sake of students' lives.