I Wanted to Quit Life After IIT…” | Anil Nagar on Pressure, Comparison & Success | Cazual Talk

This conversation with Anil Nagar (Founder of Adda247) goes beyond success stories and explores the hidden psychological realities of competitive exams, IIT life, and modern student pressure. From experiencing one of the lowest points in life after reaching IIT, to understanding the role of comparison, social media pressure, and identity crisis - this discussion brings out truths that every student, parent, and educator must hear. We talk about: • Mental health challenges in IIT, UPSC & Kota ecosystem • The dangerous impact of comparison and social media • Why success doesn’t guarantee clarity or happiness • Masculinity pressure: “Mard ko dard nahi hota” • Family expectations vs personal identity • Finding purpose, direction, and inner clarity This is not just a podcast - it’s a reflection on what success really means in today’s world. If you are a student, aspirant, parent, or educator - this conversation might change how you see pressure, ambition, and life itself. 0:00 - Preview 1:11 - Introduction of the show and guest Anil Nagar 2:02 - Early IIT BHU memories and ragging experience 3:29 - Perspective on ragging: transition vs harm 4:49 - Mental health concerns and extreme thoughts in college 5:25 - From village topper to self-doubt at IIT 6:45 - Language barrier, isolation, and declining confidence 8:01 - Suicidal thoughts and emotional breakdown 9:29 - Turning point: hesitation, rest, and small positive trigger 10:20 - Exploring Banaras, ghats, and spiritual exposure 12:09 - Osho, philosophy, and gaining life clarity 13:30 - Broader mental health issues among students 14:51 - Kota vs Delhi students: different pressures and challenges 17:16 - Story analogy of isolation and student struggles 18:31 - Lifelong identity questions and comparison stress 19:42 - Social media pressure and identity confusion 21:17 - Overcoming language insecurity and self-awareness 22:28 - Family influence: support vs pressure 24:40 - Gender expectations and challenges for girls 26:57 - Patriarchy’s impact on both men and women 29:15 - Success, comparison, and social media illusions 31:06 - Information overload and stress in modern youth 32:32 - Finding peace: journaling and personal “safe space” 34:24 - Meaning, impact, and satisfaction in helping students 35:05 - Leaving corporate job to pursue education mission 36:40 - Starting journey by guiding students in village 37:21 - Identity as a teacher and pride in students’ success 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 #upscmotivation #iitmotivation #studentmentalhealthindia #competitiveexamspressure #anilnagar #adda247 #vijenderchauhan #podcast #iitstruggle #studentdepression #upscpreparationreality #kotastudents #mentalhealth #comparison #socialmediapressure #indianstudents