Growing Older Should Not Mean Becoming Invisible On the International Day of Older Persons, we must look beyond longevity and ask a more important question: How are our older people living? October 1 is observed as the International Day of Older Persons, a day that gives us an opportunity not merely to celebrate longevity, but to reflect on what it means to grow older with dignity, security and quality of life. Medical science has helped us live longer. But longevity, by itself, is not the same as healthy ageing. An older person may live for many more years, but those years can become increasingly difficult when illness, disability, loneliness, financial insecurity, loss of independence or inadequate care begin to dominate everyday life. This is the conversation we need to have. The problems of ageing are not limited to disease When we think of an elderly person, we often think first of blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis or heart disease. These conditions are important, but geriatric medicine teaches us that the health of an older person cannot be understood through individual diseases alone. Older adults frequently live with several health conditions simultaneously. They may also experience frailty, falls, delirium, dementia, incontinence, impaired mobility, hearing or vision problems and difficulties with daily activities. WHO identifies these as important complex health states associated with older age. A fall that may appear minor to a younger person can result in a fracture, hospitalisation, prolonged immobility and, sometimes, permanent loss of independence in an older adult. Similarly, dementia does not affect only memory. It can affect communication, behaviour, decision-making, mobility and the ability to perform everyday activities. The family, too, becomes part of the caregiving journey. This is why older people need comprehensive geriatric care, rather than simply treatment for individual diseases. Loneliness can be as serious as illness Perhaps one of the least visible problems of ageing is loneliness. Families are changing. Children may move to different cities or countries. Spouses and friends may pass away. Retirement can alter a person’s sense of purpose and social identity. An older person may be surrounded by people and still feel profoundly alone. WHO reports that social isolation and loneliness affect approximately one in four older people and are important risk factors for mental health problems in later life. We therefore need to stop thinking of social connection as a luxury. A conversation, a visit, a meaningful activity, participation in the community, or simply being listened to can have enormous value in the life of an older person. Healthcare must recognise this dimension of ageing. Ageism is another form of neglect There is also a quieter problem that older people face every day: the assumption that they are no longer capable, productive or entitled to make their own choices. We sometimes speak to an older person through their son or daughter instead of speaking directly to them. We assume that they cannot learn technology. We assume that confusion is simply “old age.” We assume that pain, weakness or poor mobility are inevitable consequences of ageing. And sometimes we stop asking them what they want. These attitudes matter. WHO describes ageism as stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination based on age, and recognises that such attitudes can negatively affect the health and well-being of older people. Growing older should never mean losing one’s voice. Elder abuse is a reality we cannot ignore Another issue that deserves far greater public attention is elder abuse. Abuse is not limited to physical violence. It can include psychological or emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, abandonment and denial of dignity or basic care.WHO estimates that around one in six people aged 60 years and older experience some form of abuse in community settings. The most uncomfortable aspect of this problem is that abuse can occur within relationships where an older person expects trust and protection. We must therefore create an environment in which older people feel safe enough to speak, and in which families, caregivers and healthcare professionals know how to recognise warning signs. The caregiver also needs care Behind many older patients is another person who is often overlooked, the caregiver. A spouse, daughter, son, daughter-in-law or professional caregiver may spend years managing medications, appointments, feeding, mobility, hygiene and behavioural changes. Caregiving can be deeply meaningful, but it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. If we want better care for older people, we must also support those who provide that care. Respite services, caregiver education, counselling, financial support and access to professional healthcare can make a significant difference. India must prepare for an ageing population India is also experiencing a significant demographic transition. The number of older people is increasing, while traditional family structures and patterns of living are changing. WHO notes that India had about 104 million people aged 60 years and above according to the 2011 Census, representing 8.6% of the population at that time. It also highlights loneliness and neglect as concerns associated with changing family and social structures. This means that elderly care cannot remain solely a family responsibility. We need stronger geriatric services, accessible primary healthcare, rehabilitation, dementia care, palliative care, home-based care and long-term care systems. Hospitals and healthcare institutions must also become more age-friendly. Our cities, public transport, buildings and neighbourhoods need to be designed with older people in mind. A healthy ageing society is not one in which older people are merely kept alive; it is one in which they can continue to participate, contribute and make choices. The goal is not simply to add years to life As a geriatrician and palliative care physician, I believe one of the most important questions we must ask is not simply: “How long can we live?” It is: “How well can we live those additional years?” There is no single picture of an older person. Some people remain active and independent well into their eighties and nineties. Others require considerable assistance much earlier. Ageing is deeply individual. Therefore, our approach must also be individual. We must preserve independence wherever possible, treat pain and other distressing symptoms, prevent avoidable disability, recognise dementia and frailty early, support caregivers, protect older people from abuse and ensure that those who require long-term or palliative care receive it with dignity. Let us change the way we see ageing October 1 should not be limited to greetings, photographs and ceremonial celebrations. It should remind us that older people are not a burden to be managed. They are individuals with histories, relationships, rights, preferences and aspirations. They have raised families, built institutions, contributed to communities and carried generations forward. Our responsibility is not merely to care for them when they become ill. It is to build a society in which growing older does not mean becoming invisible. Healthy ageing is ultimately about dignity, independence, participation and the ability to live according to one’s values for as long as possible.
Dr. Abhishek Shukla Geriatrician & Physician Member Rajya Parishad (Varishtha Nagrik) UP
Some acts of kindness are not simply donations; they are a way of keeping love alive.
We at Aastha are deeply touched by the generous contribution made by Mr. Subash Anand in loving memory of his wife, Late Mrs. Veena Anand.
The loss of a life partner leaves a silence that words can rarely fill. Yet, in the midst of his own grief, Mr. Anand chose to honour Veena ji’s memory by extending care and hope to others who need it.
There is something truly beautiful about turning personal loss into an act of compassion. A contribution made in someone’s memory becomes a living reminder of the person they were, the love they shared, and the difference they can continue to make even after they are gone.
At Aastha, we are grateful to Mr. Anand for placing his trust in us and for choosing to make Veena ji’s memory a source of care, dignity and hope for others.
May her memory always remain a blessing, and may this beautiful gesture bring some comfort to the family in their time of grief.
मैं समाज से यही कहना चाहूंगा कि बुजुर्ग हमारे परिवार की जिम्मेदारी भर नहीं हैं, वे हमारे अनुभव, हमारी संस्कृति और हमारी विरासत हैं। उन्होंने अपने जीवन का एक बड़ा हिस्सा हमारे भविष्य को बनाने में लगाया है। आज जब उन्हें हमारी जरूरत है, तो हमें उनके साथ खड़ा होना चाहिए। उन्हें सिर्फ पैसे या दवाइयों की जरूरत नहीं होती। उन्हें यह महसूस होना चाहिए कि वे आज भी परिवार का महत्वपूर्ण हिस्सा हैं। उनसे बात कीजिए, उनकी बात सुनिए, उन्हें परिवार के फैसलों में शामिल कीजिए और उनके साथ थोड़ा समय बिताइए। हम अक्सर कहते हैं कि बुजुर्गों ने हमें जिंदगी दी है। अब हमारी जिम्मेदारी है कि उनकी जिंदगी के इस पड़ाव को सम्मान, सुरक्षा, स्वास्थ्य और अपनापन दें। उम्र बढ़ना जीवन का अंत नहीं है। यह जीवन का एक ऐसा पड़ाव है जहां इंसान को शायद सबसे ज्यादा सम्मान और साथ की जरूरत होती है। हमारे बुजुर्ग सच में हमारी विरासत हैं और इस विरासत को संभालना हम सबकी जिम्मेदारी है।
On this Teachers’ Day, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the eminent teachers who have shaped my life and inspired generations of doctors. I gratefully remember Prof. Rajendra Prasad, Prof. Sandeep Kumar, Prof. V. K. Puri, Prof. Mansoor Hassan, Prof. R. K. Saran, and all the remarkable teachers who have guided me throughout my journey. Their wisdom, mentorship, dedication, and service have shaped the careers of hundreds of doctors and contributed immensely to the development of healthcare services in our country. Forever grateful to my teachers. Happy Teachers’ Day!
It was a privilege and honour for me, Dr. Abhishek Shukla, to speak on “End-of-Life Care in Clinical Hematology Practice” at Brown Hall, KGMU.
I am deeply thankful to Padma Shri Prof. Soniya Nityanand, Vice Chancellor, King George’s Medical University, for her gracious presence and encouragement.
My sincere gratitude to the entire organizing committee, Department of Hematology and Hematology Foundation, and especially Dr. Anshul Gupta, for providing me this opportunity to share my perspectives on compassionate, patient-centred end-of-life care in hematology practice.
It was truly an enriching and memorable academic experience.
A wonderful evening with Dr. Sharad Agarwal, Dr. Ravish Agarwal, Dr. Shweta Srivastava, Dr. Rukshana Khan Ma’am, and all respected seniors and dear friends. Grateful for the warmth, wonderful conversations, and cherished moments together. It was truly a great evening filled with joy, memories, and togetherness. ✨
As doctors, we are often taught that before treating an illness, we must understand the pain of the patient. The same principle applies to society. Before we discuss reforms, investigations or policies, we must first acknowledge the pain of the students who have lived through the recent NEET controversy. Over the past few weeks, I have spoken to several students and parents. What struck me was not anger, was disappointment. These were young boys and girls who had done everything they were asked to do. They studied for years, followed strict routines, stayed away from distractions, and believed that if they worked hard enough, they would get a fair chance. Today, many of them are asking a simple question: Was our hard work enough? That question should worry all of us. Preparing for NEET is unlike preparing for an ordinary examination. It is a journey that demands consistency every single day. Students wake up before sunrise, spend ten to twelve hours studying, solve countless mock tests, and often sacrifice festivals, family gatherings, vacations and even their own mental peace. Parents quietly make sacrifices too. Some take loans for coaching. Some relocate to different cities. Others put the needs of one child ahead of everything else because they believe that education can change the future of an entire family. These sacrifices are made with one expectation, that the examination will be fair. When that faith is shaken, the damage cannot be measured only in cancelled exams or delayed admissions. It affects confidence. It affects motivation. Most importantly, it affects trust. The overwhelming majority of students appearing for NEET are honest. They have earned every mark through discipline and perseverance. It would be deeply unfair if their future is clouded because of the actions of a dishonest few. As a physician, I also worry about something we rarely discuss, the emotional health of these students. The pressure to succeed is already enormous. Many aspirants spend years preparing for a single examination. They constantly compare themselves with others, worry about ranks, and carry the expectations of their families on their shoulders. In such a situation, uncertainty becomes another burden. Sleepless nights, anxiety, loss of confidence and emotional exhaustion are not uncommon. Unfortunately, these struggles often remain invisible because students feel they must appear strong. We need to remember that before they are aspirants, they are young individuals. They deserve reassurance, not suspicion. They deserve clarity, not confusion. And above all, they deserve a system they can trust. I have also been deeply moved by the way students across the country came together to raise their voices. They were not demanding shortcuts. They were not asking for favours. They were asking for fairness. There is an important difference. When young people peacefully demand transparency and accountability, they are expressing their belief that institutions can and should do better. Their voices should not be dismissed. They should be heard with empathy. Every examination system, no matter how advanced, is ultimately built on trust. Once that trust is weakened, restoring it requires more than administrative action. It requires openness, timely communication and a visible commitment to preventing such incidents from happening again. Technology can certainly make examinations more secure. Better monitoring, stronger safeguards, faster investigations and transparent grievance mechanisms are all important. But alongside these measures, we must also rebuild confidence. Students should never spend weeks wondering what will happen to their future because information is delayed or unclear. As someone who has spent years working with students, I firmly believe that our young generation is far more resilient than we often give them credit for. Despite uncertainty, they continue studying. Despite disappointment, they continue dreaming. Despite repeated setbacks, they continue believing that hard work will eventually be rewarded. That resilience deserves respect. But resilience should never be taken for granted. No student should have to repeatedly prove that they can withstand failure caused by circumstances beyond their control. Medicine is a profession built on trust. Every patient who walks into a doctor’s clinic believes that the doctor sitting across the table has earned that position through knowledge, competence and integrity. That trust begins long before a doctor wears a white coat. It begins with a fair and credible examination process. Protecting that process is therefore not just about selecting future doctors. It is about protecting the confidence of society itself. I sincerely hope that this difficult chapter becomes an opportunity to strengthen our examination system and restore the faith of millions of students who still believe in the value of honest hard work. To every NEET aspirant who feels exhausted, uncertain or disheartened today, I want to say this: your effort has not lost its value. Your sincerity still matters. The dreams you have worked so hard for are worth protecting. As a society, we owe our students more than words of encouragement. We owe them fairness. We owe them transparency. And above all, we owe them the confidence that when they enter an examination hall, their future will be decided by their preparation, not by anything else.
Dr. Abhishek Shukla- Aastha Old Age Hospital
Growing Older Should Not Mean Becoming Invisible
On the International Day of Older Persons, we must look beyond longevity and ask a more important question: How are our older people living?
October 1 is observed as the International Day of Older Persons, a day that gives us an opportunity not merely to celebrate longevity, but to reflect on what it means to grow older with dignity, security and quality of life. Medical science has helped us live longer. But longevity, by itself, is not the same as healthy ageing. An older person may live for many more years, but those years can become increasingly difficult when illness, disability, loneliness, financial insecurity, loss of independence or inadequate care begin to dominate everyday life. This is the conversation we need to have.
The problems of ageing are not limited to disease
When we think of an elderly person, we often think first of blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis or heart disease. These conditions are important, but geriatric medicine teaches us that the health of an older person cannot be understood through individual diseases alone. Older adults frequently live with several health conditions simultaneously. They may also experience frailty, falls, delirium, dementia, incontinence, impaired mobility, hearing or vision problems and difficulties with daily activities. WHO identifies these as important complex health states associated with older age.
A fall that may appear minor to a younger person can result in a fracture, hospitalisation, prolonged immobility and, sometimes, permanent loss of independence in an older adult. Similarly, dementia does not affect only memory. It can affect communication, behaviour, decision-making, mobility and the ability to perform everyday activities. The family, too, becomes part of the caregiving journey. This is why older people need comprehensive geriatric care, rather than simply treatment for individual diseases.
Loneliness can be as serious as illness
Perhaps one of the least visible problems of ageing is loneliness. Families are changing. Children may move to different cities or countries. Spouses and friends may pass away. Retirement can alter a person’s sense of purpose and social identity. An older person may be surrounded by people and still feel profoundly alone. WHO reports that social isolation and loneliness affect approximately one in four older people and are important risk factors for mental health problems in later life. We therefore need to stop thinking of social connection as a luxury. A conversation, a visit, a meaningful activity, participation in the community, or simply being listened to can have enormous value in the life of an older person. Healthcare must recognise this dimension of ageing.
Ageism is another form of neglect
There is also a quieter problem that older people face every day: the assumption that they are no longer capable, productive or entitled to make their own choices. We sometimes speak to an older person through their son or daughter instead of speaking directly to them. We assume that they cannot learn technology. We assume that confusion is simply “old age.” We assume that pain, weakness or poor mobility are inevitable consequences of ageing. And sometimes we stop asking them what they want. These attitudes matter. WHO describes ageism as stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination based on age, and recognises that such attitudes can negatively affect the health and well-being of older people.
Growing older should never mean losing one’s voice.
Elder abuse is a reality we cannot ignore
Another issue that deserves far greater public attention is elder abuse. Abuse is not limited to physical violence. It can include psychological or emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, abandonment and denial of dignity or basic care.WHO estimates that around one in six people aged 60 years and older experience some form of abuse in community settings. The most uncomfortable aspect of this problem is that abuse can occur within relationships where an older person expects trust and protection. We must therefore create an environment in which older people feel safe enough to speak, and in which families, caregivers and healthcare professionals know how to recognise warning signs.
The caregiver also needs care
Behind many older patients is another person who is often overlooked, the caregiver. A spouse, daughter, son, daughter-in-law or professional caregiver may spend years managing medications, appointments, feeding, mobility, hygiene and behavioural changes. Caregiving can be deeply meaningful, but it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. If we want better care for older people, we must also support those who provide that care. Respite services, caregiver education, counselling, financial support and access to professional healthcare can make a significant difference.
India must prepare for an ageing population
India is also experiencing a significant demographic transition. The number of older people is increasing, while traditional family structures and patterns of living are changing. WHO notes that India had about 104 million people aged 60 years and above according to the 2011 Census, representing 8.6% of the population at that time. It also highlights loneliness and neglect as concerns associated with changing family and social structures. This means that elderly care cannot remain solely a family responsibility. We need stronger geriatric services, accessible primary healthcare, rehabilitation, dementia care, palliative care, home-based care and long-term care systems. Hospitals and healthcare institutions must also become more age-friendly. Our cities, public transport, buildings and neighbourhoods need to be designed with older people in mind. A healthy ageing society is not one in which older people are merely kept alive; it is one in which they can continue to participate, contribute and make choices.
The goal is not simply to add years to life
As a geriatrician and palliative care physician, I believe one of the most important questions we must ask is not simply:
“How long can we live?”
It is:
“How well can we live those additional years?”
There is no single picture of an older person. Some people remain active and independent well into their eighties and nineties. Others require considerable assistance much earlier. Ageing is deeply individual. Therefore, our approach must also be individual. We must preserve independence wherever possible, treat pain and other distressing symptoms, prevent avoidable disability, recognise dementia and frailty early, support caregivers, protect older people from abuse and ensure that those who require long-term or palliative care receive it with dignity.
Let us change the way we see ageing
October 1 should not be limited to greetings, photographs and ceremonial celebrations. It should remind us that older people are not a burden to be managed. They are individuals with histories, relationships, rights, preferences and aspirations. They have raised families, built institutions, contributed to communities and carried generations forward. Our responsibility is not merely to care for them when they become ill. It is to build a society in which growing older does not mean becoming invisible. Healthy ageing is ultimately about dignity, independence, participation and the ability to live according to one’s values for as long as possible.
Dr. Abhishek Shukla
Geriatrician & Physician
Member Rajya Parishad (Varishtha Nagrik) UP
1 hour ago | [YT] | 18
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Dr. Abhishek Shukla- Aastha Old Age Hospital
Some acts of kindness are not simply donations; they are a way of keeping love alive.
We at Aastha are deeply touched by the generous contribution made by Mr. Subash Anand in loving memory of his wife, Late Mrs. Veena Anand.
The loss of a life partner leaves a silence that words can rarely fill. Yet, in the midst of his own grief, Mr. Anand chose to honour Veena ji’s memory by extending care and hope to others who need it.
There is something truly beautiful about turning personal loss into an act of compassion. A contribution made in someone’s memory becomes a living reminder of the person they were, the love they shared, and the difference they can continue to make even after they are gone.
At Aastha, we are grateful to Mr. Anand for placing his trust in us and for choosing to make Veena ji’s memory a source of care, dignity and hope for others.
May her memory always remain a blessing, and may this beautiful gesture bring some comfort to the family in their time of grief.
1 day ago | [YT] | 578
View 2 replies
Dr. Abhishek Shukla- Aastha Old Age Hospital
www.instagram.com/reel/Dd89w23kcxA/?stkn=czlkcG4xN…
4 days ago | [YT] | 8
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Dr. Abhishek Shukla- Aastha Old Age Hospital
मैं समाज से यही कहना चाहूंगा कि बुजुर्ग हमारे परिवार की जिम्मेदारी भर नहीं हैं, वे हमारे अनुभव, हमारी संस्कृति और हमारी विरासत हैं। उन्होंने अपने जीवन का एक बड़ा हिस्सा हमारे भविष्य को बनाने में लगाया है। आज जब उन्हें हमारी जरूरत है, तो हमें उनके साथ खड़ा होना चाहिए।
उन्हें सिर्फ पैसे या दवाइयों की जरूरत नहीं होती। उन्हें यह महसूस होना चाहिए कि वे आज भी परिवार का महत्वपूर्ण हिस्सा हैं। उनसे बात कीजिए, उनकी बात सुनिए, उन्हें परिवार के फैसलों में शामिल कीजिए और उनके साथ थोड़ा समय बिताइए।
हम अक्सर कहते हैं कि बुजुर्गों ने हमें जिंदगी दी है। अब हमारी जिम्मेदारी है कि उनकी जिंदगी के इस पड़ाव को सम्मान, सुरक्षा, स्वास्थ्य और अपनापन दें।
उम्र बढ़ना जीवन का अंत नहीं है। यह जीवन का एक ऐसा पड़ाव है जहां इंसान को शायद सबसे ज्यादा सम्मान और साथ की जरूरत होती है। हमारे बुजुर्ग सच में हमारी विरासत हैं और इस विरासत को संभालना हम सबकी जिम्मेदारी है।
1 week ago | [YT] | 556
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Dr. Abhishek Shukla- Aastha Old Age Hospital
What is your spot diagnosis?
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 311
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Dr. Abhishek Shukla- Aastha Old Age Hospital
On this Teachers’ Day, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the eminent teachers who have shaped my life and inspired generations of doctors. I gratefully remember Prof. Rajendra Prasad, Prof. Sandeep Kumar, Prof. V. K. Puri, Prof. Mansoor Hassan, Prof. R. K. Saran, and all the remarkable teachers who have guided me throughout my journey. Their wisdom, mentorship, dedication, and service have shaped the careers of hundreds of doctors and contributed immensely to the development of healthcare services in our country. Forever grateful to my teachers. Happy Teachers’ Day!
1 month ago | [YT] | 1,678
View 30 replies
Dr. Abhishek Shukla- Aastha Old Age Hospital
It was a privilege and honour for me, Dr. Abhishek Shukla, to speak on “End-of-Life Care in Clinical Hematology Practice” at Brown Hall, KGMU.
I am deeply thankful to Padma Shri Prof. Soniya Nityanand, Vice Chancellor, King George’s Medical University, for her gracious presence and encouragement.
My sincere gratitude to the entire organizing committee, Department of Hematology and Hematology Foundation, and especially Dr. Anshul Gupta, for providing me this opportunity to share my perspectives on compassionate, patient-centred end-of-life care in hematology practice.
It was truly an enriching and memorable academic experience.
#PalliativeCare #EndOfLifeCare #HospiceCare #Oncology #HematoOncology #Hematology #CancerCare #SupportiveCare #CancerPalliativeCare #HospiceAndPalliativeCare #AdvanceCarePlanning #PainManagement #SymptomManagement #CompassionateCare #PatientCenteredCare #QualityOfLife #GeriatricPalliativeCare #MedicalEducation #KGMU #KingGeorgesMedicalUniversity #drabhishekshukla #aasthahospice
1 month ago | [YT] | 892
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Dr. Abhishek Shukla- Aastha Old Age Hospital
A wonderful evening with Dr. Sharad Agarwal, Dr. Ravish Agarwal, Dr. Shweta Srivastava, Dr. Rukshana Khan Ma’am, and all respected seniors and dear friends.
Grateful for the warmth, wonderful conversations, and cherished moments together.
It was truly a great evening filled with joy, memories, and togetherness. ✨
1 month ago | [YT] | 701
View 7 replies
Dr. Abhishek Shukla- Aastha Old Age Hospital
As doctors, we are often taught that before treating an illness, we must understand the pain of the patient. The same principle applies to society. Before we discuss reforms, investigations or policies, we must first acknowledge the pain of the students who have lived through the recent NEET controversy. Over the past few weeks, I have spoken to several students and parents. What struck me was not anger, was disappointment. These were young boys and girls who had done everything they were asked to do. They studied for years, followed strict routines, stayed away from distractions, and believed that if they worked hard enough, they would get a fair chance.
Today, many of them are asking a simple question: Was our hard work enough? That question should worry all of us.
Preparing for NEET is unlike preparing for an ordinary examination. It is a journey that demands consistency every single day. Students wake up before sunrise, spend ten to twelve hours studying, solve countless mock tests, and often sacrifice festivals, family gatherings, vacations and even their own mental peace. Parents quietly make sacrifices too. Some take loans for coaching. Some relocate to different cities. Others put the needs of one child ahead of everything else because they believe that education can change the future of an entire family. These sacrifices are made with one expectation, that the examination will be fair. When that faith is shaken, the damage cannot be measured only in cancelled exams or delayed admissions. It affects confidence. It affects motivation. Most importantly, it affects trust. The overwhelming majority of students appearing for NEET are honest. They have earned every mark through discipline and perseverance. It would be deeply unfair if their future is clouded because of the actions of a dishonest few.
As a physician, I also worry about something we rarely discuss, the emotional health of these students. The pressure to succeed is already enormous. Many aspirants spend years preparing for a single examination. They constantly compare themselves with others, worry about ranks, and carry the expectations of their families on their shoulders. In such a situation, uncertainty becomes another burden. Sleepless nights, anxiety, loss of confidence and emotional exhaustion are not uncommon. Unfortunately, these struggles often remain invisible because students feel they must appear strong. We need to remember that before they are aspirants, they are young individuals. They deserve reassurance, not suspicion. They deserve clarity, not confusion. And above all, they deserve a system they can trust.
I have also been deeply moved by the way students across the country came together to raise their voices. They were not demanding shortcuts. They were not asking for favours. They were asking for fairness. There is an important difference. When young people peacefully demand transparency and accountability, they are expressing their belief that institutions can and should do better. Their voices should not be dismissed. They should be heard with empathy.
Every examination system, no matter how advanced, is ultimately built on trust. Once that trust is weakened, restoring it requires more than administrative action. It requires openness, timely communication and a visible commitment to preventing such incidents from happening again. Technology can certainly make examinations more secure. Better monitoring, stronger safeguards, faster investigations and transparent grievance mechanisms are all important. But alongside these measures, we must also rebuild confidence. Students should never spend weeks wondering what will happen to their future because information is delayed or unclear. As someone who has spent years working with students, I firmly believe that our young generation is far more resilient than we often give them credit for. Despite uncertainty, they continue studying. Despite disappointment, they continue dreaming. Despite repeated setbacks, they continue believing that hard work will eventually be rewarded.
That resilience deserves respect. But resilience should never be taken for granted. No student should have to repeatedly prove that they can withstand failure caused by circumstances beyond their control.
Medicine is a profession built on trust. Every patient who walks into a doctor’s clinic believes that the doctor sitting across the table has earned that position through knowledge, competence and integrity. That trust begins long before a doctor wears a white coat. It begins with a fair and credible examination process. Protecting that process is therefore not just about selecting future doctors. It is about protecting the confidence of society itself.
I sincerely hope that this difficult chapter becomes an opportunity to strengthen our examination system and restore the faith of millions of students who still believe in the value of honest hard work.
To every NEET aspirant who feels exhausted, uncertain or disheartened today, I want to say this: your effort has not lost its value. Your sincerity still matters. The dreams you have worked so hard for are worth protecting.
As a society, we owe our students more than words of encouragement.
We owe them fairness.
We owe them transparency.
And above all, we owe them the confidence that when they enter an examination hall, their future will be decided by their preparation, not by anything else.
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Dr. Abhishek Shukla- Aastha Old Age Hospital
Lucknow Nursing Home Association.
Independence Day Celebration.
1 month ago | [YT] | 1,556
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