Overview

• Devadharshini, a 21-year-old NEET aspirant from Kilambakkam, died by suicide after expressing stress over repeated exam failures.
• This marks the latest in a series of at least 20 NEET-related suicides in Tamil Nadu over the past eight years.
• The Tamil Nadu government has consistently opposed NEET, citing its adverse impact on economically disadvantaged and Tamil-medium students.
• Opposition parties, particularly the AIADMK, have criticized the ruling DMK for failing to deliver on its promise to exempt the state from NEET.
• The tragedy has reignited debates on systemic inequities in India's education system and the need for stronger mental health support for students.