A 22-year-old engineering student from Vadodara has tragically died by suicide after jumping from the eighth floor of a residential building. The student, a second-year mechanical engineering major at The Maharaja Sayajirao University, reportedly jumped from the Maple Vista building near Akshar Chowk. Emergency services, including police and ambulances, rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the incident. Sadly, by the time they arrived, the young man had already fallen. Despite attempts to revive him with CPR, he was declared dead at the scene.
The police have started an investigation into the matter, but no suicide note has been found, leaving the reasons behind this tragic decision unclear. This incident has raised alarms about the growing mental health crisis in Gujarat, especially among young people. In the first 45 days of 2025 alone, Ahmedabad recorded over 100 suicides, signalling a troubling trend in urban areas.
Gujarat has seen a steep rise in suicide cases in recent years. Between 2020 and 2025, more than 25,500 suicides were reported in the state. In the year 2022-23, there were 8,557 cases. Experts attribute this increase to various factors, including academic pressure, unemployment, financial troubles, and relationship issues.
The issue of student suicides is particularly alarming, with nearly 500 cases reported in Gujarat from 2020 to 2023. The highest number of these cases occurred in Ahmedabad. Factors such as academic stress, peer pressure, and a lack of mental health resources have been identified as major contributors to this crisis.
The situation is compounded by an increase in suicide attempts, reflecting a broader emotional and psychological strain among the population. Disturbingly, some families have taken their lives together due to overwhelming debt and societal pressure. A recent case in Mehsana saw an entire family commit suicide, highlighting the severity of the issue.
The state government has introduced mental health helplines like Jeevan Aastha (1800 233 3330), Abhayam (181), and Jindagi (1096). They have also launched awareness campaigns in schools and colleges. However, these efforts have had limited success due to stigma surrounding mental health, a lack of outreach in rural areas, and a shortage of mental health professionals.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the urgent need for improved mental health infrastructure in Gujarat. Young people today face immense personal, academic, and social pressures, and it is vital to address these issues comprehensively. The loss of life of such a young individual underscores the importance of prioritising mental health support in educational institutions and communities throughout the state.
As Gujarat grapples with this ongoing crisis, it is essential for the government, communities, and families to work together to improve mental health awareness and support systems. Only then can we hope to reduce the tragic occurrences of suicide and provide the necessary help to those in need.
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