In a heartbreaking incident, 17-year-old P Arthika from Padugai village near Papanasam in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district died by suicide on May 7, fearing she had failed her Class 12 state board exams. Tragically, her results the next day revealed she had passed, scoring 413 out of 600 marks.
Arthika, a student of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, had reportedly expressed anxiety over her performance, particularly in English. Her mother, Tamil Selvi, said Arthika had been withdrawn and worried in the days leading up to the results.
Also Read – Stray Dogs Save Indian Soldiers; Foil Terror Attack
Despite her fears, her marks included 72 in Tamil, 48 in English, 65 in Physics, 78 in Chemistry, 70 in Botany, and 80 in Zoology.
Her death has left her family and community devastated. “Please don’t take such drastic steps. Suicide is not the solution,” her mother said in a tearful message to other students, urging them to talk to parents or teachers when feeling overwhelmed.
Also Read – One Partner Boring? New Love Rules Before Marriage
The incident has reignited concerns about the psychological pressure faced by students and the urgent need for mental health support in schools. According to NCRB data, suicides among students due to academic stress are on the rise.
The Tamil Nadu government has initiated measures like ‘MaNaM Thittam’, which provides trained counsellors in schools and regular awareness programs. A separate project with UNICEF is underway to enhance students’ mental resilience.
Also Read – Viral Video: Driver Tortured for Leave Request
Police have registered a case and are investigating. Education officials have stressed the importance of open communication, assuring students that academic performance should never come at the cost of life.
