Suicides among students are a sad and very troubling phenomenon that plague higher education institutions in our country, both government and privates. Such events do not choose one economic or social class over another. This vast spread demonstrates a significant reality: mental health issues among students are widespread and not necessarily dictated by socioeconomic determinants. They indicate system failures that must be addressed urgently by all kinds of institutions, whether owned by the state or operating under private funding arrangements.

This is not just an institutional problem but a societal one. If students from diverse backgrounds and academic institutions are facing similar mental health challenges leading to suicide, then it is clear that piecemeal solutions are not enough. What is needed is a broad, systematic, and uniform policy of mental health care in all colleges and universities in the nation.

The Central Government has, in recent years, come out with a series of guidelines and blueprints on how to deal with mental health in schools. These have made recommendations in terms of setting up support systems, reinforcing grievance redressal mechanisms, and increasing student involvement. Yet, even with such guidelines in place, the actual challenge is in their uniform implementation. For real change to take place, these guidelines should not be paper-bound- they should be implemented and enforced uniformly across institutions.

In this respect, the functioning of State Governments assumes particular significance. It is heartening that Justice Roopanwal Commission of Enquiry, was commissioned to examine the matters pertaining to student suicides among higher education and has already put forward 12 concrete proposals focused on addressing the mental health problems in educational institutions. These proposals are pragmatic, well-thought-out, and can be suitable for various institutions- both private and government.

Among the Commission's recommendations are provisions aimed at strengthening student support systems, including the presence of trained counsellors, mental health professionals, peer mentors, and programs of mental health awareness. These are not just prevention techniques; they create a campus atmosphere in which students are seen, heard, and supported. They also encourage the identification of distress at the earliest stages, so that the risk of crises being overlooked or ignored is reduced.

 Although these suggestions make good sense, their effectiveness is purely subject to how well they are received and implemented on the ground level. It is the responsibility of each State Government to take them seriously and set up mechanisms for the same to be applied in both public and private universities and colleges. This would mean frequent oversight, proper budgetary allocations for mental health initiatives, and proper accountability mechanisms ensuring that institutions comply with applying them.

In addition, schools and universities themselves must view mental health not as an afterthought but as central to their mission. Student well-being schools also lead to improved academic success and campus participation. Building a mental health-friendly campus is not a one-off activity but rather an ongoing exercise of training the staff, bringing mental health topics into everyday discussions, creating safety spaces, and building trust between the student community.

Human life is a treasured gift. Each student should be given an opportunity to grow, flourish, and actualize their potential. Behind every student suicide case is a youthful life bearing dreams, ambitions, and the potential to make a significant contribution to the country. Whenever we lose a student through suicide, not only do we lose a person- we lose the potential of what he or she could have been.

It is in our collective power to alter this story. When students are offered timely assistance, compassionate guidance, and mental health-conducive settings, they have a much better chance of coping with challenges and overcoming adversity. With appropriate resources and chances, a student can not only thrive individually but also contribute meaningfully to society.

The vision of higher education must cultivate minds, develop resilience, and instill a sense of belonging. Let us collaborate to design our educational campuses as mentally healthy, inclusive, and safe places. It demands the efforts of all the stakeholders-governments, educators, administrators, parents, and students themselves.

In short, preventing student suicides is not about individual efforts- it is about constructing systems that place a high value on mental health as an essential part of education. Let us address this issue collectively and systematically, utilizing existing guidance such as that from the Justice Roopanwal Commission as a foundation. Let us enforce these measures consistently and meaningfully. Let us value the lives and futures of our students.