Mental health connection of Jantar Mantar movement! Experts warned CJP, know what is the danger

Student Mental Health After Jantar Mantar Protest: The Gen-G movement at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar regarding education reforms in the country and the alleged NEET paper leak issue became a topic of discussion not only in India but also at the international level. A large number of students and youth from across the country participated in this movement that lasted for about 36 days. The movement took a new turn on 20 July, when protesters marched towards Parliament. After this the movement intensified further.

Talks took place between the government and the agitators, after which the government assured to improve the examination system and take strict legal action against paper leaks. After this entire movement, two important debates have emerged. First, the main demands of the protesters and second, responsibility for the language and public messages used during the movement.

Sensitive communication is also necessary along with the demand for compensation.

The major demands of the movement included the resignation of the Union Education Minister, withdrawal of cases registered against the protesters and financial assistance for the families affected by the examination controversy.
In this context, senior psychiatrist Dr. Satyakant Trivedi said that the demand for justice and financial assistance for the victim’s families is completely justified, but public dialogue on this subject should be extremely sensitive.

According to him, such language should be avoided which may inadvertently convey the message of glorification of suicide. Messages given from public forums can affect youth going through mental stress. Therefore, while talking about justice and compassion, the message that suicide is not the solution to any problem should be equally prominent.

Mental health should also get equal priority

Dr. Trivedi suggests that along with education reforms, arrangements for mental health support, timely counselling, examination related stress management and psychosocial support for students should also be strengthened. He also said that it is necessary to take concrete institutional steps to make the examination system more transparent, fair and reliable as well as to prevent such tragic incidents in future.

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Balanced message is in the interest of society

Experts believe that the demand for justice and protection of mental health are complementary to each other. Along with sympathizing with the families of the victims, demanding fair investigation and accountability, it is equally important to send a message to the society that help is available in difficult situations and life is most important. It will be in the interest of both the society and the youth to use responsible and sensitive language while discussing this topic on social media and public forums also.