New Delhi, Nov 24 (UNI) Following the suicide of a class 10th student, Delhi’s Education Minister Ashish Sood has written a strongly worded letter to the Principal of St. Columba’s School, Brother Robert Fernandes, mentioning that he was writing “not merely as a minister, but as a concerned parent,” expressing grief over the loss and emphasising the responsibility shared by institutions, educators and society.
Quoting from Abraham Lincoln’s famous letter to his son’s teacher, Minister Sood reminded schools that children must be taught with both strength and gentleness.
Lincoln’s words, “Teach him to listen to all men, but filter all he hears on a screen of truth,” were referred to as a guiding philosophy for modern education, by the Minister.
In his note, the Delhi Education Minister stressed the need for schools to go beyond procedural compliance and create emotionally safe, empathetic, and responsive ecosystems.
Sood highlighted that present-day students face unprecedented pressures and require support systems that are proactive rather than reactive.
The Minister identified key expectations from all Delhi schools, including strengthened emotional and psychological support system and early identification of distress among students.
He also stressed training and sensitisation of teachers on mental-health issues, adding that peer-support and open-communication channels must be given emphasis.
He also asked schools to prioritize students’ happiness, confidence, and wellbeing.
The minister has assured schools that the government was prepared to work closely with them to reinforce mental-health frameworks, counseling infrastructure, and teacher-training initiatives.
He has also sought a response from St. Columba’s School on its internal review and on any support it may require from the government.
Calling the incident “a heartbreaking wake-up call,” Sood said the child’s memory must inspire systemic improvements across Delhi.
He asserted that no child should ever feel unheard or unseen in schools, and must be given an environment that nurtures not just intellect, but emotional wellbeing as well.
