Baramulla, Mar 26: The Dean of Academic Affairs at the University of Kashmir, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, on Wednesday said that academic competition, combined with societal and familial expectations, is putting immense psychological pressure on students from an early age.
Addressing the concluding ceremony of a two-day national workshop on mental health at Government College for Women, Baramulla, Prof. Pirzada highlighted the growing mental health concerns among students. He pointed out that students today are burdened not only by academic demands but also by unrealistic expectations from families.
“One son becomes a doctor, and the daughter is expected to follow the same path. This pressure begins right from childhood,” he said.
Prof. Pirzada stressed the importance of mental well-being, noting that professional success is impossible without psychological fitness. “If we are not mentally fit, we cannot perform any job effectively,” he added. He emphasized that health, particularly mental health, must be prioritized alongside academic achievements.
Referring to the multidisciplinary approach under the National Education Policy (NEP), he said life itself is inherently multidisciplinary. “No individual can function in isolation. A mathematician needs a doctor, a lawyer, a psychologist, and a sociologist to thrive in society,” he said.
He called for a holistic educational and social environment for students, highlighting the need to expand such workshops to include broader social issues like women’s empowerment, drug addiction, and climate change.
“True empowerment of women can only be achieved through equal participation and opportunities. Women must compete on equal footing, not in a skewed ratio. Only then can empowerment become meaningful,” he said.
Expressing concern over the rising menace of substance abuse, he urged institutions to organize dedicated programs to address addiction. He also highlighted the importance of discussing climate change, sustainability, and ecological balance, citing their direct impact on tourism and other sectors in the region.
Prof. Pirzada encouraged open dialogue and healthy criticism, emphasizing that addressing these challenges requires courage and collective effort. “We must come forward, discuss issues openly, and accept constructive criticism to bring about real change,” he said.
Sharing his personal experience, he recalled the challenges of managing limited resources during his student life and early career.
Earlier, students of the host college presented a skit portraying the importance of parents in understanding their children’s mental health.
During the workshop, noted academic and former Degree College Principal Prof. Ismail stressed the crucial role of teachers and parents in nurturing young minds. Principal GDC Sogam, Prof. Shameem Ahmad, added that teachers play a vital role in building a positive mindset among children from a young age. “You have to develop the mindset of children so they never feel dejected in life. Teachers, alongside parents, must be game-changers for the children,” he said.
He further emphasized that if children’s mental health is neglected early on, other achievements in life lose significance.
The speakers and guests appreciated the host college principal for organizing such workshops aimed at fostering a positive mindset among students. (Agency)
