A 24-Year-Old Cut His Leg for a Entrance Exam. Why? Vijender Masijeevi

A 24-year-old NEET aspirant from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, took an extreme step that forces us to pause and reflect. Not because he was a child. Not because he lacked awareness. But because somewhere along the way, the system, society, and our narratives failed him. This is not just a mental health issue. This is about how we turn one exam into a life-defining identity. This is about how reservation is misunderstood, hated, and falsely portrayed as an “easy shortcut.” This is about how young people are made to believe that there is no life beyond one dream. Disability reservation is not a privilege. It exists to ensure dignity, access, and fairness — not as a loophole for success. When desperation reaches this level, the problem is far deeper than any policy. We need to talk about pressure. We need to talk about alternative dreams. And we need to talk about responsibility — as educators, parents, institutions, and citizens. This conversation is uncomfortable. But it is necessary. About Dr Vijender: Dr Vijender Chauhan is an educator, UPSC Interviewer and Motivational speaker with an experience of over a decade. He is one of the most recognised faces among the UPSC aspirants. Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masijeevi Twitter: https://x.com/masijeevi?lang=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masijeevi/ Public speaking series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZsjpxNdkPe9703jiUliZrRB8cZMIXPyH&si=iIQoHc2SrsoOdI1M Podcast with Dr Vijender: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZsjpxNdkPe8xHGGNWhzZEzVbugyiyGnd&si=qyySVVRlZNSba8LI #neet #studentmentalhealth #educationsystem #examstress #youth #indianeducation #mentalhealthawareness #dreamvsreality #studentlifeindia #socialreflection