Anil Rajvanshi, a well-known academic and director of the Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute, Phaltan, Maharashtra, says there is an epidemic of student suicides in India. Citing official figures from the National Crime Records Bureau he says 13,000 students committed suicide in 2022, and it is quite possible that the unofficial figures may be much higher. That number is at least 2000 more than the politically charged epidemic of farmer suicides caused by crop failure and resultant debt problems.

Rajvanshi, who is a Padma Shri honoree, India’s fourth highest civilian honor, says for some reason student suicides are not getting the kind of national attention they so urgently need given that they have a direct impact on India’s future generations. He spoke to Mayank Chhaya Reports.

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