India’s Youth in Crisis: Gaurav Gogoi Confronts the Devastating Toll of 40,000 Student Suicides

As India grapples with a mental health crisis among its youth, Assam Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi sounded the alarm in Parliament, urging policymakers to address the growing issue. Gogoi’s impassioned appeal highlighted the alarming rate of student suicides, with nearly 40,000 young people taking their own lives in the past five years alone. “Where is our country heading when more than 40,000 young people have taken their own lives?” he asked, drawing attention to what he described as a national crisis.

Gogoi directly challenged conventional notions of masculinity, arguing that “real strength lies in facing emotions, not repressing them.” He called for greater emphasis on emotional intelligence education and open conversations about gender roles in contemporary society. The MP also linked the mental health crisis to post-pandemic social media dependence, which he said is leading to rising stress levels, social anxieties, and a highly negative impact on mental health. He referenced the recent Netflix series “Adolescence,” which explores the impact of academic pressure, social media bullying, and emotional distress on young people.

Gogoi also addressed the rise of online male influencers promoting toxic masculinity, which he noted negatively affects both men and women. “A growing number of young men are looking up to online male influencers who promote a version of masculinity that pushes back against feminism,” he stated. The MP emphasized that mental health is a growing concern among Indian youth, exacerbated by rising social media dependence post-pandemic, and that academic pressure, cyberbullying, and emotional distress have led to alarming student suicide rates.

The increasing popularity of “Adolescence” on Netflix has sparked nationwide conversations about the need for better support systems for youth mental health. In a subsequent social media post, Gogoi reiterated his concerns, writing that “mental health is a growing concern among Indian youth, exacerbated by rising social media dependence post-pandemic. Academic pressure, cyberbullying, and emotional distress have led to alarming student suicide rates.”

Gogoi concluded by requesting a healthy debate in Parliament on mental health among young people, emphasizing the urgent need for policy interventions and awareness programs. His remarks have set the stage for a much-needed national conversation about the mental health of India’s youth, and the urgent need for policymakers to take action.

Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/where-is-our-country-heading-gaurav-gogoi-on-40000-student-suicides-cites-netflixs-adolescence-1193947-2025-04-04?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-04-04 13:05:00