ARE SOUTH INDIANS SUICIDE PRONE?

ARE SOUTH INDIANS PRONE TO SUICIDE?

I find this unbelievable. Two of my young relatives both highly qualified and doing very well in their professions are deeply religious[read ritualistic] at home and even in office One of them will not drink a drop of water or eat even a morsel of food that has not been made at home .On one occasion this guy was stranded for about 3 days at various locations in Mumbai when that city was flooded on a scale not since seen, about 4 years ago He walked in fits and starts and finally reached his home in the distant suburbs a full 3 days later .Shockingly he refused food and water during this ‘ voyage’ He had sworn to himself to lead a ‘ ‘pure life’ and battled hunger and thirst..
I understand both these guys who are not even 30 will in due course become religious leaders and will forsake their hard won material and career success.
These guys came to my mind when I read an article ‘Perils and pressures of wonderland’ by Dilip Bobb in SUNDAY EXPRESS dated 28th November.
This article aroused deep interest in me also due to some of my personal experiences in Chennai a city I once lived in but left for pastures elsewhere including in the USA.
In the last one year that I have been in Chennai I have tried to make friends in the Trainers’ community but have failed abjectly. Both ladies and gents have spurned my attempts to reach out to them . Some of them would speak to me on phone ,agree to meet me at a coffee house but fail to turn up. The women would bluntly tell me that they do not believe in befriending strangers. I am yet to figure out how on can be a friend straightaway without being a stranger!
One lady however was frank enough to tell me that she would rather exchange emails with me and size me up before meeting me..I told her that I invited her to a crowded coffee house in a bustling mall and hence my credentials ought not to be under a scanner. But she said that the world has deteriorated. I agreed with her on that score at least partially.
The Sunday Express article discusses how the rapid economic evolution that is making India the envy of the world is also sadly spurring social tension and tragedy The author refers to increasing cases of suicides by young girls unable to handle the dilemmas brought about by their conservative background, juxtaposed against the social mores they encounter in cities.
What struck me was the study quoted by Bobb .It was carried out by Christian Medical College Vellore that showed that WOMEN IN SOUTH INDIA SHOW THE HIGHEST SUICIDE RATE IN THE WORLD. It is fairly certain that the clash between a hugely conservative society with strong traditional values and the changes consequent to India’s economic and social transition may explain this tragic occurrence of suicides, The study adds that stress factors such as academic failures and unfulfilled romantic ideals were among the issues that contributed to high teenage suicides. Access to what India is proud of—the mobile phone --is a factor too. Small wonder that leaders of some communities including Khalp panchayats have banned the use of the mobile phone by their kids The easy communication with the other sex is said to lead to delinquent behaviour. The internet too—increasingly India’s pride what with 3 G – with easy access to intimate talk and porn sites is also said to be a culprit.
It is all disturbing. Till these issues are understood and managed I will try NOT to expect to make friends in CHENNAI!!! Mumbai here I come mid December. Hope things are better there.
K.R.RAVI
WWW.KRRAVI.COM