In the series of shocking events from the NEET-UG paper leak to the cancellation of UGC Net exams; from deaths of UPSC aspirants to R G Kar case. What does it mean to be educated and professional in this world? There is one question that emerges from all the mismanagements and unaccountability - who is paying the cost?

The incidents have sparked outrage among the student community, highlighting concerns over negligence and safety measures. These incidents make us feel like the whole education system and management is falling like a house of cards, Loopholes in our education system are so disheartening. It is exhausting and our generation is slowly feeling hopeless. All of this led to a situation of panic, leaving students in despair and uncertainty.

Students invest significant emotional energy in preparing for these exams. Having crossed every hurdle, ready to appear for the exam and give my best. All of a sudden, we learnt of paper leak and cancellation. This has profound emotional effects on students. Students also have spent months and even years preparing for the exam, and feel betrayed by the system. Such scandals like the death of aspirants and murder at the workplace can lead to intense feelings of anger and helplessness. Students may question the value of hard work, and need to react and raise their voices.

Such incidents create a huge distress among students, who are already working hard to crack the exam. This is a wake-up call.

NEET-UG Paper Leak:  A Betrayal of Trust

The NEET-UG paper leak is not just a mishap; it is a betrayal of trust. Students spend their youth preparing for competitive exams. These incidents can deter their confidence and mess up their plans. They stay far away from their homes, disconnecting from parental bonds and carrying an emotional burden; The NEET exam is a critical gateway for medical aspirants across India. Paper leaks have threatened the future of countless students who had worked tirelessly to secure a seat in medical college. The NEET scam had a significant impact on the mental health of aspirants. A constant cycle of disappointments and exhaustion can lead to emotional and mental implications. For many, it is a way to put themselves and their families out of challenging financial situations.

The paper leak has a significant negative impact on students' academic performance and their well-being, experiencing anxiety, stress and feelings of injustice. One major cause of paper leaks is the lack of strict security measures and the involvement of corrupt officials and exam administrators. The leaking exam is a criminal offense.

UGC-NET: An Abrupt Cancellation

For many, it is not just the loss of a single opportunity. It is not easy to appear for the same exam again. It is very unfortunate, to take one competitive paper twice- for faults not of their own. The cancellation of any exam significantly impacted thousands of aspirants who invested their time and efforts. Candidates express frustrations and demand a fair examination process through protests.

Death of UPSC Aspirants

The world of civil services coaching is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Angry students protest the death of three civil services aspirants after the basement of a coaching centre was flooded following heavy rains. They highlighted negligence in safety measures, with a call for accountability and action against illegal basement operations. The recent deaths of three students sparked concerns over the unregulated basement study centre. This tragedy is not an isolated incident. Students protest over crumbling infrastructure, the safety of aspirants. The journey of UPSC aspirants, itself is filled with challenges and incidents like these create panic among them.

R G Kar Case: The Silent Scream of a City

The horrifying case of rape and murder of a trainee doctor has sent shockwaves across the country. The incident has raised troubling questions about institutional negligence and the safety of staff. The incident ignite widespread protests and bringing serious concerns about safety within medical institutions. The incident at R G Kar Hospital has raised several questions. It speaks about the safety of women in the workplace. It also speaks about the safety of doctors in their hospitals as well as the safety of a student in an institution. The truth in R G Kar's case is that she was on duty at her own institution; at a place where one is supposedly safe; which she referred to as her "second home". All her dreams were shattered in one night.

All this reminds us strongly, how gender equality is still a thing on paper. It reminds us to teach our daughters, what we have learnt 50 years back as a child. "Do not go alone. Always stay awake to your surroundings. We women cannot live free as men do". Such incidents also deny freedom to women and interfere with their right to work.

In her first reaction to this incident, President Droupadi Murmu said; she was "dismayed and horrified" and asked the country to wake up to the "perversion" of crimes against women. "The nation is bound to be outraged and so is I," she wrote.

But, we are still waiting for a change;

The journey of a student from school to university and then to a professional career is not always smooth sailing. It involves tight deadlines, late night fuelled. As one step into the world of college; the life of a student is a picturesque journey. One has to encounter a maze of student problems that no brochure prepares you. Juggling textbooks, part-time jobs and the infamous laundry mountain. From lonely nights to budgeting problems, the academic rollercoaster is both challenging and relatable. University students face real-life dilemmas when choosing a career and are being torn between their passion and pressure to pursue a professional degree. The pressure to choose the right career option leads to anxiety and stress particularly when they feel uncertain about their future career paths. The challenge is real. While preparing for competitive exams or working towards a goal, safety- both physical and mental is essential. Finally after considering all the facts, one must ask "Who is bearing the cost"?

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