My message to students: Life is  precious, failure temporary

By: Mool Raj

I am not think thank but simply a person who is working as Lecturer at Govt Higher Secondary School Khellani Doda. I published number of articles regarding suicide by teenage students and these circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp groups so that the incidents of suicide are stopped. Recently my article was published by different newspapers of Jammu and Kashmir titled “Suicide – A Wound On The Soul Of Society” but who is reading my article. I think no one. Everyone from children to old age person is busy on mobile phone. Even today’s people forget their relationship but never forget to recharge their mobile phones.

The incident that took place yesterday was shocking for the whole society where one 12th class student namely Ravansh Sharma, R/O Jangwharh Paryote Doda, played with his life when his result was declared. He was unable to pass one subject that is why he took such extreme last step of life. Fail doesn’t mean to end life, but whom to tell these words to him since his parents were not home. They were on their duty.

Let us read the story of one of my teenage but brave and sensible student Naresh Kumar from Hambal Teh Goa Distt Doda. When the results of the 10th and 12th class were announced, the world seemed to stop for Naresh. His roll number did not appear on the pass list. One word echoed everywhere—“Fail.” For others, it was just a result. For Naresh, it felt like a verdict on his life.

He came home with lowered eyes and trembling hands. His mother read his face before he spoke. She didn’t ask questions—she simply sat beside him. His father, a daily wage worker, remained silent. That silence hurt more than anger. Neighbors whispered, relatives advised, and some mocked, saying he was never serious and studies are not for him. Naresh locked himself in his room for days. His books lay untouched, his dreams shattered. He felt ashamed to face anyone. Nights were sleepless; tears soaked his pillow. He kept asking himself, “Am I useless? Is this the end of my journey?”

But life doesn’t end with one failure. One evening, his father quietly entered the room and placed his rough, tired hand on Naresh’s shoulder. “I failed many times in life,” he said softly, “but I never failed to try again. This result is not your destiny—only a lesson.”

Those words lit a small flame in Naresh’s broken heart. He decided to stand up—not for society, but for himself. He re-enrolled, changed his study routine, and started working part-time to support his family. His days became longer, his nights tougher. There were moments of doubt, but he remembered one thing: failure taught him discipline that success never did.

He studied with focus, not fear. He learned from his mistakes, asked questions, and practiced relentlessly. Teachers noticed the change—not in his marks first, but in his attitude. The next year, when results came, Naresh didn’t just pass—he scored well. But more importantly, he had regained his self-respect.

Years passed. The same boy who once failed 10th class completed higher studies, gained professional skills, and built a stable career. People who once doubted him now spoke his name with pride. He supported his parents, educated his siblings, and became a source of hope for many struggling students.

Standing on a stage one day, addressing young students, Naresh said with a calm smile, “Failing in 12th class didn’t ruin my life. Giving up would have. Failure didn’t define me—my comeback did.” And in that moment, his past pain transformed into his greatest strength.

After passing his 12th class, Naresh knew that the real test of life had just begun. The fear of failure still lived somewhere inside him, but now it pushed him forward instead of holding him back. He chose a stream that matched his interest rather than society’s expectations. Many questioned his decision, reminding him of his past failure. But this time, their words did not break him—they strengthened his resolve.

There were days when money was scarce, when he walked long distances to save bus fare, and nights when hunger became his study companion. While others revised lessons, Naresh revised life—learning patience, humility, and resilience. He often studied under a dim bulb, listening to his mother’s quiet prayers in the next room. Those prayers became his silent motivation.

During exams, anxiety returned, reminding him of the pain of his 10th result day. His hands trembled, his heart raced, but he closed his eyes and whispered to himself, “I am not the same boy anymore.” That belief carried him through.

Slowly, success followed—not loudly, but steadily. He cleared competitive exams, earned scholarships, and gained respect through hard work. Teachers began using his example to motivate other students. Some even apologized for doubting him earlier.

One day, Naresh visited his old school. He stood outside the classroom where he once sat crying after hearing he had failed. The walls were the same, but he was not. He realized that failure had shaped him more beautifully than success ever could. It had taught him empathy for those who struggle silently.

Years later, when he finally secured a respected position in life, his father looked at him with moist eyes and said, “You didn’t just pass exams, son—you passed life.” Naresh smiled, remembering the boy who once felt worthless. He wished he could tell him one thing: “Hold on. This pain will one day become your pride.”

One result cannot define a lifetime. Failures are temporary, life is precious, and every setback is a chance to rise again.

The results of Class 10th and 12th have been declared today by JKBOSE. Heartiest congratulations to all the students who have excelled and made their parents and teachers proud. To those who could not achieve the expected results, remember that failure is not a stoppage but only a temporary phase of life. One examination can never define your intelligence, talent, or future. Marks are not the measure of your worth, and a result sheet is never greater than your life.

Indian history itself gives us powerful examples—Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam faced rejection from the Indian Air Force but went on to become a renowned scientist and the President of India; Dhirubhai Ambani started with humble beginnings and faced many setbacks before building a business empire; Amitabh Bachchan faced repeated failures and even bankruptcy before becoming a legendary actor; and Mary Kom struggled against social and financial challenges before becoming a world champion boxer. These examples prove that setbacks are part of every successful journey, and what truly matters is the courage to rise again.

Students are advised not to take any extreme step due to academic failure, as life always offers new opportunities and second chances. Speak to your parents, teachers, or friends, stay strong, and believe that this moment will pass—your life is precious, and your story is far from over.

The exams of your children are to start soon. I know you are all really anxious for your child to do well. But please do remember, amongst the students who will be sitting for the exams there is an artist who doesn’t need to understand Math, an entrepreneur who doesn’t care about History or English literature, a musician whose Chemistry marks won’t matter, and an athlete whose physical fitness is more important than Physics. If your child does get top marks, that’s great. But if he or she doesn’t, please don’t take away their self-confidence and dignity from them. Tell them it’s OK, it’s just an exam. They are cut out for much bigger things in life. Tell them no matter what they score, you love them and will not judge them.

Please do this, and when you do, watch your children conquer the world. One exam or a low mark won’t take away their dreams and talent. And please do not think that doctors and engineers are the only happy people in the world.

Scoring 500 out of 500 is no longer considered impossible, and this is a very positive development. Our students are intelligent, capable, and hardworking. With the availability of the internet, learners can find answers to almost any question from the comfort of their homes. They have access to the best study materials and guidance for examinations. Unlike the past, students today do not rely on rote learning. They understand the importance of conceptual clarity and focus on learning, understanding concepts deeply, and explaining answers in their own words with suitable examples. This approach has significantly improved academic performance and overall understanding.

The achievement of full marks reflects the potential of our learners. It shows that with proper guidance, resources, and determination, students can turn the impossible into possible. Achieving excellent results brings happiness not only to students but also to their parents. A child’s success is the greatest reward for any parent. Qualifying an examination brings pride and joy to families, and many parents proudly share their children’s achievements on social media platforms like Facebook.

I congratulate all the successful students and extend my heartfelt best wishes to their parents. May this success be the foundation of greater achievements in the future. Last but not least, I request JKBOSE Jammu and Kashmir to declare the results of 10th, 11th, and 12th classes after 5 pm, when the parents of the students are at home, so that the mishappening incidents of suicide are at least stopped, prevented, and above all the failure students are unable to take this extreme step in their life.

The author is a regular columnist and freelance writer.