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Key Points

Student suicides in Kerala have surged by nearly 50% over the past decade, creating a mental health emergency. The state reported 39,962 suicides between 2021-2025, with numbers climbing steadily each year. Tragic cases like 14-year-old Ashirnanda, who took her life after alleged teacher harassment, highlight the human cost behind the statistics. In response, Kerala is training 3,000 teachers as mental health counselors to provide frontline support in schools.

Key Points: Kerala Student Suicides Surge 50 Percent in Decade Crisis

  • Kerala recorded 39,962 suicides between 2021-2025 with steady annual increases
  • Kozhikode district alone saw 53 student suicides in 2022-23 academic year
  • 14-year-old Ashirnanda's case highlights teacher harassment contributing to tragedy
  • State training 3,000 teachers as mental health counselors for frontline support
2 min read

Student suicides in Kerala surge by 50 pc in a decade

Kerala reports nearly 50% rise in student suicides over 10 years, with Kozhikode recording 53 deaths in one academic year. State launches teacher counseling program amid mounting pressure.

"She was a bright child with dreams. But the humiliation she suffered broke her spirit - Ashirnanda's father"

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 16

Student suicides in Kerala have increased by nearly 50 per cent over the past decade, raising fresh alarm over the mental health of schoolchildren.

Data presented in the State Assembly show that Kerala reported 39,962 suicides between January 2021 and March 2025. The toll climbed steadily from 6,227 in 2021 to 10,994 in 2023.

Though not all of these deaths involved students, the trend reflects a nationwide crisis. NCRB figures reveal that 13,044 students died by suicide across India in 2022, almost unchanged from the previous year.

In Kerala, certain districts are particularly affected. Kozhikode alone recorded 53 student suicides in the 2022-23 academic year. Psychologists stress that many of these tragedies could have been averted with timely counseling and effective school-based support.

The case of 14-year-old Ashirnanda, a Class IX student from Sreekrishnapuram in Palakkad, highlights the human toll behind the statistics. Reportedly ridiculed repeatedly by teachers, she took her life at home, leaving behind unfinished drawings and a fresh school record book. Her parents, Prashanth and Sajitha, continue to seek justice.

“She was a bright child with dreams. But the humiliation she suffered broke her spirit,” her father said.

In response to the crisis, the Kerala government has announced a programme to train 3,000 teachers as mental health counselors, enabling schools to provide frontline support. Education Minister V. Sivankutty said the initiative aims to help teachers identify early signs of distress, offer basic counseling, and connect students to professional services when necessary.

Experts link the rise to mounting academic and social pressures, fragile family environments, and the inability to address the evolving psychological needs of young people.

However, experts caution that most schools still lack professional counselors, and existing programmes are hampered by weak coordination and poor referral systems.

Child rights activists also stress the need for accountability in cases of harassment. “Justice for victims like Ashirnanda is essential, but equally important is building safeguards so no child feels abandoned or humiliated,” said one activist.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Teachers ridiculing students? This is unacceptable! We need strict action against educators who bully children. Ashirnanda's case should be a wake-up call for all schools.
D
David E
While the government's initiative to train teachers is commendable, 3000 counselors for how many schools? This seems like a token gesture. We need professional psychologists in every school, not just trained teachers.
A
Ananya R
As a recent graduate, I can confirm the pressure is unreal. Between tuition classes, coaching centers, and parental expectations, students have no breathing space. We need to normalize failure and teach resilience.
S
Suresh O
This is not just Kerala's problem - it's pan India. We need to address the root cause: our society's obsession with academic success. Every child is different and deserves to be valued beyond marks.
M
Meera T
Parents need to step up too. We're so busy pushing our children to become doctors and engineers that we forget to ask if they're happy. Let's create homes where children can share their struggles without fear.

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