Annual IC3 Conference & Expo 2024 Emphasizes Holistic Counseling for Student Well-Being Amidst Alarming Trends

Expo

National, 29th August 2024: The Annual IC3 Conference & Expo 2024, held at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi on August 28–29, 2024 brought together nearly 2,000 educators, school leaders, counselors, and university representatives from around the world. The event centered around the theme “From Competition to Competence,” was graced by the presence of Eric Garcetti, the Hon’ble U.S. Ambassador to India, who served as the Guest of Honor, and several School leaders and representatives of leading global universities.

The conference featured the launch of two significant reports. The Student Suicides: An Epidemic Sweeping India Vol 2 report highlighted a troubling trend: while overall suicides increased by 2% annually, student suicides surged by 4%, twice the rate of total suicides. The Student Quest Report unveiled insights into gaps between student aspirations and educational delivery, underscoring the need for improved counseling infrastructure. It discussed the importance of aligning career choices with personal values, the impact of AI tools in counseling, and the necessity for early intervention and comprehensive support to address these gaps and support holistic student development.

The Student Suicides: An Epidemic Sweeping India Vol 2 report reveals troubling trends, with total suicides (both students and others) rising by 4.2% from 2021 to 2022. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh are identified as the states with the highest number of student suicides, together accounting for one-third of the national total. Southern states and union territories collectively contribute to 29% of these cases, while Rajasthan, known for its high-stakes academic environment, ranks tenth, highlighting the intense pressure associated with coaching hubs like Kota.

Additionally, the report notes a dramatic increase in student suicides, with male suicides rising by 50% and female suicides by 61% over the past decade. Both genders have experienced an average annual increase of 5% in the last five years. These alarming statistics underscore the critical need for enhanced counseling infrastructure and a deeper understanding of student aspirations. Addressing these gaps is essential for shifting the focus from competitive pressures to nurturing core competencies and well-being, thereby supporting students more effectively and preventing such tragedies.

Commenting on the findings, Mr. Ganesh Kohli, Founder of the IC3 Movement, stated, “The report serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address mental health challenges within our learning institutions. Our educational focus must shift to fostering the competencies of our learners such that it supports their overall well-being, versus pushing them to compete amongst each other. We must build a systematic, comprehensive, and robust career and college counseling system within each institution, while seamlessly integrating the same within the learning curriculum. Through this year’s Annual IC3 Conference, we aim to galvanize action and drive systemic change in how we approach student development through counseling and career guidance.”

The conference featured insightful sessions from a distinguished lineup of 150+ speakers. Dr. Indu Shahani, Founding President of ATLAS SkillTech University, emphasized the transformative power of quality education and counseling, underscoring the importance of ensuring that every student has access to the guidance they need during their formative years. Dr. Mildred García, Chancellor of California State University, also contributed to the discussions, bringing a valuable international perspective on educational strategies. Madhu Singh Sirohi, Head of Strategic Initiatives at Meta India, shared global insights on adapting international best practices in addressing India’s unique challenges. These sessions provided attendees with actionable strategies to create more supportive and inclusive learning environments.

Eric Garcetti, the Hon’ble U.S. Ambassador to India, remarked, “The Indo-US relationship is a powerful force for global progress, deeply rooted in our shared commitment to education. As we strive to strengthen this partnership, effective counseling emerges as a key driver in opening doors and fostering mutual understanding. By investing in our students and providing them with the guidance they need, we are not only enhancing educational pathways but also deepening our bilateral ties. Events like IC3 are pivotal in this mission, demonstrating how transformative counseling can be in shaping future leaders and advancing our collective goals.”

The IC3 Conference & Expo remains a vital platform for discussing and addressing student-related issues, with a strong focus on the role of educational institutions—from schools to colleges—in supporting counseling and the development of robust counseling infrastructure. The conference continues to foster meaningful dialogue on how to enhance student support and ensure holistic development through effective guidance and resources.

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