The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a mandatory entrance test for medical admission and every year failure to clear the same has resulted in a number of suicides among students. In 2021 alone atleast 3 students between the ages of 17 and 19 ended their lives by committing suicide in Tamil Nadu, bringing the tally of medical aspirants dying to 17 by suicide in the last few years.
While the deaths are largely after failing to crack the highly competitive exam, some are also in fear of failure. Addressing the same, actor Suriya released a video where he makes an emotional appeal to students from taking such a drastic step.
"I can tell as one among you that marks and exams alone don't make life. There are many things to achieve. Be bold and confident. Many of us who love you and understand you are here. All of us can win big in life. Let there be no fear..
..This pain and fear would vanish in a short time. Ending life is a lifetime punishment you give to your parents and those who love you,"
என் தம்பி தங்கைகளுக்கு…
— Suriya Sivakumar (@Suriya_offl) September 18, 2021
அச்சமில்லை அச்சமில்லை அச்சமென்பதில்லையே… pic.twitter.com/jFOK9qxqyN
The government has announced 104 helpline to help NEET students, while Chief Minister MK Stalin has requested teachers, social activists and the film fraternity to "sow the seeds of confidence" among students.