Gujarat: Medical student ends life by jumping into a water canal

Ahmadabad: Partha Prajapati, a 21 year old final year medical student of Gandhi Medical College is allegedly committed suicide by jumping into a water canal. Prajapati is reported to have been suffering from exam anxiety and was not confident about clearing the forthcoming exam, beginning on October 15. His body was recovered from the Nebhoi Canal, near Gandhinagar, on Sunday; a day after his disappearance from home.

On Saturday, when Parth left home on the pretext of going to the library and did not return till late in the evening, the family launched a hunt for him. Knowing his state of mind, as he had suffered a similar bout of depression earlier, they looked around near bridges and water canals. Though they couldn’t find Parth, they discovered his bike near the Nebhoi canal. It was then that the family decided to lodge a police complaint at the Adalaj Police station.

His father Vishnu Prajapati , a native of Rupal (Gandhinagar) is shattered at this unexpected loss of his younger sibling. His father from the weaker economic section of society, is a factory floor repairer and had encouraged his son to pursue medicine, after he faired well in his class 12 exam. "Parth was a very sensitive boy. He was very attached to the family. We never knew he would take such a step. Our dreams have been shattered," added Vishnu.

"One year ago also Parth had become stressed about his studies. However, we convinced him to stick to it and also met his professors and even got him into counselling. He then regained confidence," added Vishnu.

Before taking his life, Parth is believed to have spoken to his cousin based in Kalol. He was close to her and often spoke to her for encouragement.

Speaking about Prajapati, Dr Arun Vyas, Dean, GMERS (Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society) Medical College, Gandhinagar, said, "Parth was good in studies. A year ago he faced confidence issues and met his professors for guidance.” Sensing the depth of his depression, Professor Vyas told Parth that though he would respect his final decision, however, he should come to the examination hall, even if it were to just sit there. Parth heeded his advice, and sat for the exam, clearing it successfully on that occasion too .

Speaking about stress, Professor Vyas said that many students, who did well in school, found it stressful to clear exams at the college level. According to the professor, students identified suffering from stress, were also counseled in the hostels. In Parth’s case, as he was a day scholar; his parents must have been better acquainted with his state of mind, he added.

The Adalaj Police have reported a case of accidental death. Investigations are on in the case.