“School education isn’t just about grades—it’s about raising kind, emotionally strong, and thoughtful humans. Life skills are learning. Miss that, and we miss the whole point.”
The Alarming Rise in Student Suicides
In 2022, India witnessed 13,044 student suicides, a figure that has remained distressingly consistent over the years. Between 2013 and 2022, student suicides surged by 64%, highlighting a deep-rooted crisis in our educational and societal structures.
A recent study spanning 30 Indian universities revealed that 12.3% of students experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year, with 5.2% attempting suicide. These statistics underscore the urgent need to address mental health proactively within educational institutions.
Expert Insights on Emotional Intelligence in Education
Emotional intelligence (EI) plays a pivotal role in students’ overall development. Experts like Sonali Sarkar and Pritam Kumar Agrawal emphasize that early education on emotions builds strong relationships and decision-making skills. They advocate for nurturing emotional intelligence to create compassionate and confident individuals for the future.
Daniel Goleman, a renowned psychologist, states:
“Emotional intelligence is a master aptitude, a capacity that profoundly affects all other abilities, either facilitating or interfering with them.”
Initiatives Addressing Student Mental Health
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Supreme Court of India established a national task force in March 2025 to address students’ mental health concerns. This task force aims to explore the root causes of suicides in higher education institutions and develop comprehensive recommendations.
Additionally, the Ananya Birla Foundation, in collaboration with the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), launched initiatives to enhance mental health and career support for students in Delhi. These programs aim to reach over 30,000 students by March 2025, integrating art-based therapy and other innovative approaches.
The Path Forward: Integrating Emotional Intelligence into Education
To foster holistic development, educational institutions must:
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Incorporate Emotional Literacy Programs: Integrate curricula that teach students to recognize and manage their emotions effectively.
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Train Educators in EI: Equip teachers with the tools to model and teach emotional intelligence.
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Establish Support Systems: Provide accessible counseling services and create safe spaces for students to express themselves.
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Engage Parents and Communities: Promote awareness and involvement in nurturing emotional well-being from home to school.
Conclusion
Education should transcend academic achievements, aiming to cultivate emotionally intelligent individuals capable of navigating life’s challenges with resilience and empathy. By prioritizing emotional intelligence in our education system, we lay the foundation for a more compassionate and mentally healthy society.