A 21-year-old man died by suicide in Shivamogga, Karnataka, after sharing a detailed note on WhatsApp, police officials confirmed. The incident has drawn attention to the pressures faced by students and the broader issues surrounding education, mental health, and parental expectations.
The deceased was identified as Rakesh, a degree graduate who had been preparing for competitive examinations. He was found hanging at his home in Kaisodi village, located in Soraba taluk. After the discovery, local police were informed, and an investigation was initiated to examine the circumstances leading to his death.
In the message he shared before his death, Rakesh made reference to the life story of Kannada film actor Yash, as narrated on the television programme Weekend With Ramesh. In that episode, Yash spoke candidly about his early years, including skipping classes, entertaining his peers, his passion for performing, the struggles he faced in the initial stages of his career, and his eventual success in the film industry.
Drawing inspiration from that account, Rakesh wrote that genuine talent and ability play a more decisive role in success than luck alone. He expressed the view that people are more likely to succeed when they are allowed to pursue interests they truly care about, rather than being pushed into predefined paths. He strongly criticized the education system, arguing that constant pressure, unrealistic expectations, and comparisons imposed on students from a very young age create an overwhelming mental burden.
In his note, Rakesh appealed directly to parents and teachers, urging them not to impose their own unfulfilled ambitions on children. He wrote that teachers should make an effort to understand each student’s interests and guide them accordingly. He emphasized that children should not be forced into academic streams or careers they dislike simply because those options are perceived to offer financial security or social status. According to him, every individual follows a unique journey in life, and that diversity should be respected.
Rakesh also warned against excessive dependence on online mental health guidance provided through platforms such as WhatsApp. He cautioned that such forms of support could negatively influence independent thinking and decision-making. In his view, online advice cannot replace genuine human connections, particularly real friendships and meaningful conversations within the family. He stressed that parents should personally communicate with their children, listen to them, and try to understand their emotional state. In the final part of his message, he stated that he was mentally prepared for his actions and that he was sharing the message consciously and deliberately.
Following the incident, the Soraba Police registered a case and began further investigation to understand all aspects of the matter, including the pressures Rakesh may have faced and the contents of the message he left behind.
