The Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect is a theory by Herbert Marsh that states equally able individuals have lower academic self-concepts in higher ability environments (top-tier institutions) compared to low ability environments. The four suicides over the past two months at NIT Kurukshetra tell us far more than statistics and news articles on “mental health” ever could. The dedication and mental fortitude it takes for a teenager to crack the JEE and earn a seat at an IIT or NIT is immeasurable. If someone who weathered that pressure at such a formative age managed to get into one of the most sought-after institutes in the country, where is the gap occurring that makes it difficult for them to navigate a relationship issue, or academic pressure, which is something they have demonstrably handled before? “I had self-harm ideation during my JEE preparation. My parents cared enough to take me to a psychiatrist, solely so that it wouldn’t affect my exam,” said a student.…