When the news of Mihir’s tragic death surfaced, it wasn’t just another headline, it was a gut punch. For many of us, it was personal.
A young boy, with dreams tucked neatly into his schoolbag, lost not just to the cruelty of ragging but to an environment that failed him in every possible way.
Mihir could’ve been anyone, a brother, a friend, a neighbour’s kid. And yet, despite countless such stories, we ask the same question every time: “Who’s responsible?”
Is it the parents who didn’t notice the silent cries?
The teachers who missed the signs?
The system that normalizes bullying as “just part of growing up”?
Or is it all of us. Too quick to move on after the news cycle dies down?
Beyond the Blame Game: What’s Really Happening?
Let’s be honest. Mihir’s story is not an isolated case.
In Kerala alone, recent reports show:
• A 20% increase in ragging-related incidents in schools and colleges over the
past three years.
• A rise in student suicides, with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and
bullying being key contributors.
• Growing cases of substance abuse among teenagers as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.
Behind every statistic is a story, a child battling silent wars, unnoticed by the very people meant to protect them
Where Are We Going Wrong?
1. The Silent Homes:
Picture this: A child comes home after a rough day, their face tense, their eyes avoiding contact. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong?” we say, “Did you finish your homework?”
Parenting isn’t just about providing; it’s about noticing. In our race to give our kids the best life, we often forget to give them the most basic thing—a safe space to talk.
2. The Broken Classrooms:
Schools should be sanctuaries, not battlegrounds. But when teachers are overwhelmed with syllabus deadlines, who’s paying attention to the quiet kid at the back of the class?
Ragging is not just a “prank.” It’s trauma. It chips away at a child’s confidence,
leaving scars that last longer than the bruises.
3. The Generation Gap That’s Becoming a Chasm:
4. Mental Health:The Elephant in Every Room:
How many times have you heard or said things like:
• “It’s just a phase.”
• “They’re too young to be depressed.”
• “Boys don’t cry.”
This stigma is killing our kids. Literally.
So, What Can We Do?
We can’t change the past, but we can rewrite the future. Here’s how:
1. Listen..Really Listen:
Sometimes, all a child needs is to be heard. Ask open-ended questions:
• “How was your day?”
• “Did anything make you feel upset today?”
• “Is there something you want to talk about?”
And when they answer, don’t judge. Don’t dismiss. Just listen.
2. Schools Need to Be More Than Just Academics:
Mental health education should be part of the curriculum, just like math or science. Anti-bullying cells shouldn’t just exist on paper—they need to be active, accessible, and trustworthy.
3. Normalize Seeking Help:
Therapy isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. If your child had a fever, you’d take them to a doctor, right?
So why hesitate when it comes to mental health?
4. Monitor, But Don’t Control:
Instead of banning phones or social media, teach digital literacy. Help kids understand the difference between healthy and harmful online behaviour.
5. Community Matters:
It’s not just the family or the school’s job. Communities, neighbours, and even peers can create support networks where children feel seen, heard, and valued.
