Calls from 3,500 distressed students flood 104 helpline

As per the helpline data, around 3,500 students dialled ‘104’ from 10 am to 6 pm. “We had appointed extra counsellors, as a special arrangement in view of the result declaration on Friday. Top queries by students were on fear, anxiety, stress management, depression and re-evaluation,” Dr Sivagurunathan, head of 104, said.

He added that most of the callers were students who secured pass marks but could not score the marks they expected. “Many would fall into depression if they fail to score the marks needed to get medical or engineering seats. Students should understand that there are many other better courses.”

Explaining the follow-up action to be taken by the counsellors, Sivagurunathan said that they are managing a database on the details of the students and they will be called every day if they need more counselling.

Apart from special arrangements on Friday, ‘104’ had roped in extra manpower during December and January, when the students would face stress and depression while preparing for the exam.

“The additional counsellors will work till the number of calls subsides. We will also make such a similar arrangement for Class 10 results, too,” Sivagurunathan added.