The Minds We Ignore, The Crimes We Mourn- A Rising Silent Crisis
Sonali Ojha
Research Clinical Psychologist
A few days ago, I had the privilege of attending an award ceremony and conference in New Delhi. The gathering brought together distinguished individuals from remarkably diverse fields like economists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, fitness experts, sportspersons, artists, fashion professionals, astrologers and technology leaders. The discussions were engaging and forward-looking. We debated economic growth, India’s GDP trajectory, the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, fundraising, innovation, entrepreneurship, health,sports,the future of business, India’s global position as a leader and many more things. Yet, as the day progressed, there was a striking silence. Not once did we discuss mental health.
At first, it seemed like a simple omission. But the more I reflected, the more it felt like a warning. We are investing enormous intellectual and financial capital in building a stronger nation, yet we often overlook one of the most fundamental pillars of any society, the psychological well-being of its people, especially the young who are the future potential.
Every morning, newspapers and news channels confront us with incidents that leave us stunned. Young people committing brutal acts of violence. Neighbours turning against neighbours. Students attacking classmates. Family members harming those they are expected to protect. Many of these crimes are not driven by political ideology, organized crime, business rivalry, or property disputes. They are deeply personal, impulsive, and often committed in ordinary homes, schools, and neighbourhoods. These are the crimes that disturb us the most because they challenge our basic assumptions about safety and human relationships. They raise difficult questions about emotional regulation, empathy, conflict resolution, and the environments in which children and adolescents are growing up.
It would be simply unfair to conclude that today’s children are inherently leaning towards crime. Human behaviour is complex, and violent acts usually arise from an interaction of multiple factors, including family dynamics, psychological vulnerabilities, exposure to violence, easily accessible social media, social influences, substance misuse, trauma, and lack of community support etc. However, the increasing visibility of such incidents should compel us to ask uncomfortable questions rather than look away. As parents and as a society, what exactly are we preparing our children for? Are we measuring success only by admission into prestigious schools and universities? Are we celebrating academic ranks while overlooking emotional resilience? Are we teaching children how to solve mathematical equations but not how to cope with rejection, disappointment, loneliness, anger, or failure? Many parents work tirelessly to secure their children’s future. They save money, invest in education, build financial security, and dream of giving their children every possible opportunity. These sacrifices come from love and responsibility. Yet financial security alone cannot be substituted for emotional connection. Children need more than pampering, good schools, coaching classes, gadgets, and career planning. They need conversations. They need adults who listen without immediately judging or correcting them. They need to know that they can speak about fear, anxiety, heartbreak, failure, or confusion without being dismissed as selfish, weak , ungrateful or simply rude.
In many homes, communication gradually becomes transactional. Parents ask, “How were your marks?” “Did you complete your homework?” “What are your career plans?” These are important questions. But how often do we ask, “How are you feeling?” “What has been worrying you lately?” “Is there something you wish I understood better?” The answers to these questions may reveal struggles that remain invisible until they emerge in unhealthy and antisocial ways.
Our educational institutions also have an important role to play. Schools and colleges should not be evaluated solely by academic achievements or placement records. Emotional literacy, psychological well-being, conflict resolution, empathy, and responsible digital citizenship deserve equal importance. Students should learn that seeking psychological help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The conversation must also extend beyond homes and classrooms. Mental health should no longer be confined to hospitals or counselling clinics. It belongs in boardrooms, policy discussions, community forums, corporate conferences, and public discourse. When national conversations focus exclusively on economic growth, technology, infrastructure, and innovation while neglecting emotional well-being, we risk building prosperous societies inhabited by psychologically distressed individuals.
A nation’s progress cannot be measured only through GDP, stock market performance, or technological advancement. True development also depends on trust, compassion, emotional stability, and healthy relationships. Economic growth undoubtedly improves quality of life, but it cannot replace empathy or emotional resilience.
As a psychologist, I believe prevention is far more powerful than crisis intervention. We cannot wait until violence occurs before asking what went wrong. Early emotional education, supportive parenting, accessible mental health services, and community awareness can reduce suffering long before it reaches a breaking point.
The responsibility does not rest solely with parents. Society, educators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, media, and community leaders all contribute to the environment in which children grow. Every adult who interacts with a young person has an opportunity to model respect, kindness, emotional regulation, and constructive problem-solving.
The next time we gather to discuss India’s future, let’s try not to make mental health an afterthought. It deserves a place alongside discussions on artificial intelligence, economic development, entrepreneurship, and innovation because every one of these depends on healthy human minds. Perhaps the most valuable investment we can make by raising emotionally secure, compassionate, and resilient individuals.
So tonight, before asking your child about their grades, their career plans, their next achievement, or when they intended to marry please ask one simple question-
“How are you really doing?”
The future we build will depend not only on what our children know, but also on how well they are understood.
Thank You.
