Parents of Shourya Patil , a Class 10 student who died by suicide, will conduct a candle march in Delhi on Friday, November 22 , at 6 pm . The protest demands justice following allegations of mental harassment against Patil at St Columba’s School . Demonstrators plan to march from Maharashtra Sadan towards India Gate. This action follows the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against four school staff members, who have since been suspended by the school management.
Candle March for Justice
The peaceful candle march is scheduled to commence at 6 pm tomorrow. Participants will gather at Maharashtra Sadan, located in Delhi, before proceeding towards the India Gate memorial. Organizers state the primary objective is to secure justice for Shourya Patil. The march also aims to draw attention to the severe pressure and humiliation that students can encounter within educational institutions. A message circulating among supporters called for community solidarity, stating, “This is the moment to raise our voice for truth and justice. Your presence matters. Your voice matters.”
Student’s Tragic Death and Allegations
Shourya Patil died after jumping from the Rajendra Place metro station earlier this week. He left a suicide note at the scene. This note reportedly named specific teachers at St Columba’s School. The note alleged these individuals subjected him to mental torture. Family members and friends have since publicly accused certain school staff of causing severe mental harassment to the student. These serious allegations form the basis of the current protests and demands for accountability.
Escalating Protests and Demands
An initial protest was held by families and friends outside St Columba’s School on Thursday . Protestors sought immediate accountability from the school administration. They demanded strict action against those allegedly responsible for Patil’s death. Furthermore, demonstrators urged the government to reinforce mental health safety guidelines for students across all schools. The deceased student’s family friend emphasized that protesters seek more than just staff suspensions. They are demanding the arrest of the accused teachers and school management members. Parents also advocate for a government committee to establish district-level guidelines focused on student mental health.
School and Police Actions
The Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against specific individuals in connection with the student’s death. Subsequently, four staff members from St Columba’s School were suspended. This group includes two teachers . The suspensions came after the police initiated their investigation into the allegations of mental harassment. The school’s decision to suspend staff members indicates the gravity of the accusations being investigated by authorities. Demonstrations by fellow students and parents also took place in front of the private school on Thursday , underscoring widespread concern.
Call for Systemic Change
The collective actions of the grieving family and community extend beyond seeking individual justice. They represent a broader call for systemic improvements in student welfare. The demand for district-level mental health guidelines highlights a perceived inadequacy in existing support structures. Advocates aim to create a safer, more supportive educational environment. This initiative seeks to prevent future tragedies stemming from academic or social pressure within schools. The focus remains on ensuring no other student faces similar circumstances.