For many families, success is defined by how well their child performs compared to others, and this comparative mindset places additional strain on students
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"I feel like I am drowning, but no one seems to notice," says 16-year-old Ananya Dutta, staring blankly at the pile of textbooks on her desk. "Every day is a race, and I am always running, but I don’t know where it ends."
Ananya' story is all too familiar for many students in Guwahati, where the relentless pressure to excel in academics and extra-curricular activities has left children feeling overwhelmed and burnt out.
With academic expectations soaring, many students feel overwhelmed, unable to manage time for themselves as they struggle with the high standards set by both their families and society. In a world that values academic excellence above all, those who don’t meet these expectations are often harshly criticised, leading to self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy.
The mounting stress to excel has become a common issue, with parents increasingly pushing their children to build a bright future in a fiercely competitive world. However, this intense pressure is having adverse effects on students' mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and in some cases, depression. In extreme situations, the pressure can even lead to thoughts of suicide.
Parents, understandably concerned about their children's future, are playing a major role in this mounting pressure. The educational institutes in India, particularly in competitive cities like Guwahati, are in constant pursuit of the brightest students to maintain their reputations. As a result, many parents feel obligated to push their children to excel in academics, sports, and other extracurricular activities.
Unfortunately, in their quest for success, parents often raise the bar too high. For many families, success is defined by how well their child performs compared to others, and this comparative mindset places additional strain on students. The idea of excellence is often generalised, with little attention given to the child’s individual interests and abilities. As a result, children are burdened with expectations not just in academics but also in other areas like sports, music, and arts.
Talking to GPlus, Priti Das, a mother of two said, “I always want the best for my children, but sometimes I wonder if we are pushing them too much. My son loves to paint, but I worry that focusing too much on art might distract him from his studies. It’s a constant dilemma.” Her words reflect the struggle many parents face as they navigate the fine line between encouraging their children and overwhelming them.
The effects of this relentless pursuit of perfection are far-reaching. Many students in Guwahati feel the weight of their parents’ expectations bearing down on them, which can lead to feelings of disappointment and worthlessness when they fail to meet these lofty goals. Rather than fostering a love for learning, this pressure can stifle creativity and natural curiosity, as students become more focused on simply meeting expectations than on truly understanding or enjoying their studies.
Subhangshu Sharma, an 11-year-old talking to GPlus said, “I get tired of trying to do everything. After school, I go to coaching classes, then dance lessons, and on weekends I have to go to painting classes. I don’t have time to just relax or play with my friends. Sometimes I just want to quit everything.”
This constant pressure to be an all-rounder—excelling in academics and extracurriculars—can be exhausting for children. Without adequate time for rest and relaxation, many students struggle to maintain their productivity, and instead of excelling, they find themselves barely managing to cope.
Teachers in Guwahati are also witnessing the negative impact of this growing pressure on students. Many are concerned that the focus on academic and extracurricular achievements is overshadowing the importance of a child’s holistic development. They believe that this overemphasis on performance can harm students in the long run, leading to burnout and mental health issues.
Talking to GPlus, a teacher from a prominent school in Guwahati seeking anonymity said, "In today’s competitive world, it is often seen that parents are pushing their kids to be all rounders and trying to make them learn or engage in too many co curricular activities at a time. This essentially tires the child, leaving no room to rest and has no positive effect on their productivity. Most of the times, the student will leave half of the activities and will stick on to one or two by the time he/she is in Graduate or post graduate level. So instead of pressuring these kids to learn sports, singing, dancing, playing instruments, again the mandatory tuitions after classes, it’s better to observe the interest of the ward and make them learn just one or two activities as this will help them to focus better."
"Students today are stretched too thin," says, a high school teacher in Guwahati. "We expect them to excel in academics, sports, and cultural activities all at once. But in the process, we forget they are still children. The pressure is immense, and many of them are struggling silently. It is important for parents and educators to recognize that each child has their own strengths and limitations. Instead of pushing them in every direction, we should focus on their interests and help them grow in a balanced way."
While teachers and students are feeling the strain, many parents in Guwahati also find themselves torn between wanting to give their children the best opportunities and fearing they are pushing them too hard. In a competitive society where academic success is often seen as the key to a bright future, many parents feel an overwhelming responsibility to ensure their children succeed.
Manoj Das, the father of a teenage daughter, talking to GPlus said, “We know that the world is competitive, and we want our kids to be prepared for it. But sometimes, I feel guilty. My daughter is always stressed about her grades and her extracurriculars. I wonder if we are asking too much of her.”
Ultimately, the challenge faced by parents, students, and educators in Guwahati is finding the right balance between encouraging success and avoiding undue pressure. Mental health experts have long emphasized the importance of providing children with opportunities to explore their interests while also giving them the freedom to rest and enjoy their childhood.
Talking to GPlus, a renowned psychologist in Guwahati said, a psychologist based in Guwahati, “Children need time to relax and be themselves. Overburdening them with expectations, especially at a young age, can lead to long-term emotional and psychological issues. Parents should focus on their child’s overall well-being rather than just academic success.”