September 25, 2026
In his Hindustan Times column, Vital Signs, OHT’s Dr. Ramanan Laxminarayan examines why education must prepare students not only for examinations, but also for failure, setbacks, and uncertainty.
Reflecting on student suicides and academic pressure, he explains how equating marks with intelligence, worth, and future success can leave young people unprepared to cope with disappointment.
He emphasizes building resilience, encouraging parents to ask what students learned rather than what rank they achieved, and recognizing that changing direction, repeating a year, or failing an examination can be part of life.
Dr. Laxminarayan also highlights the importance of belonging, supportive adults, and accessible help, arguing that education should prepare young people for life’s inevitable reversals.
Read the article here.
