Values Kota imparted: Anxiety and building a future on a butchered present

Source: This post is created based on the article “Values Kota imparted: Anxiety and building a future on a butchered present”, published in the Indian Express on 21^st Sep 2023.

Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Social Issues – Issues associated with education

News: Rising suicides in Kota questions whether the intense focus on future success comes at the cost of the present well-being of students.

Kota is seen as an essential midpoint for students aiming for top-tier colleges. However, the city has witnessed 25 suicides in a single year, indicating a deep-rooted issue in its coaching culture.

What are the challenges faced by Kota coaching Students?

There is an intense environment, where the future is prioritized over the present. It has led to a state of anxiety among students.

Students are made to feel guilty for enjoying anything outside of their studies, leading to a constant state of anxiety.

The coaching industry in Kota has overshadowed traditional schooling. Holistic promises of school, such as engagement with all subjects, extracurricular activities, and a balanced life, are often compromised in favor of peak performance.

The societal obsession with success pushes students to extremes in pursuing their dreams.

What should be done?

There is a need to reconsider the intense coaching model of Kota. It suggests that there might be alternative paths to success, and students should be allowed the flexibility to choose their journey.