Suriya releases video to urge students against self-harm

Actor Suriya released a video on social media in which he advised students against harming themselves over academic failure. With NEET 2021 results set to be announced next month, this video is believed to be targetted at students who took this examination.

The video begins with lines from the Subramaniya Bharathi poem, 'Achchamillai Achchamillai', with Suriya urging students to remember that they are loved by their family and friends. He added that marks and examinations are not to be thought of as crucial in determining the destiny of our lives.

The actor also went on to share that he had been an average student himself and pointed out that with patience and hard work, every individual can attain success. The actor appeared to be disturbed by the increasing number of student suicides ahead of the NEET results.

Notably, Suriya is known to have voiced his opposition to the NEET exams and has stated his belief that the entrance exam is ruining the future of students from marginalised communities and those studying in government schools. He is also reported to have sent a request to the state government to lobby for the abolition of the exam. “For a country like India that is diverse in language and culture, it is only fair that the education system is in the hands of its state,” Suriya had said in a statement.

The actor has previously faced backlash from supporters of the NEET exam.
 

If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers:

Tamil Nadu:

State health department suicide helpline number - 104

Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in TN

Maharashtra (Mumbai):

Aasra - 022 2754 6669

Andhra Pradesh:

Life Suicide Prevention Helpline No.78930-78930

Karnataka:

Sahai: 24-hour helpline numbers: 080- 65000111, 080-65000222

Kerala:

Maithri helpline - 0484-2540530

Chaithram helpline: 0484-2361161

Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.

Telangana:

Telangana government suicide prevention toll-free no: 104