Gawli, embroiled in several criminal cases, would now walk out of prison because this was the only case in which he had not been granted bail. In all other cases, he has already secured bail. In March, three students tried to end their life after they fared badly in their final examinations. Besides academics, youngsters often get burdened with personal problems, which lead them to take extreme steps. Psychological experts assert that timely help in the form of counselling can do wonders to a depressed mind.
Counselling is the key to dealing with students' problems, they say.
However, while academicians have recognised the immense need for professional counselling, a majority of colleges and schools in the city still do not have a counselling centre on their premises. In some colleges, teachers from the department of psychology offer counselling to students whenever required. This is however, not equivalent to full-time professional counselling. But, we do recognise the need for counselling as students face tremendous academic pressures and other personal problems. About three years ago, Mumbai University had acknowledged the need for students' counselling in colleges, when the students' suicide rate rose, and a collegian ended her life in the university campus.