A wave of grief and anger swept through Delhi’s St Columba’s School on Thursday as students gathered outside the campus demanding accountability for the death of 16-year-old Shourya Patil, who died by suicide earlier this week. Patil, a Class 10 student, jumped from an overground metro station near his school and left behind a heart-wrenching note apologising to his parents and brother.
Students claimed Patil had confided in a school counsellor that he was experiencing suicidal thoughts. They alleged he had been “tortured” for the past six months and subjected to repeated humiliation by certain teachers. Many said teachers often “body shamed”, “mocked”, and “insulted” students for minor issues. One student recounted an incident during dance practice where Patil was publicly ridiculed in front of Headmistress Aparajita Pal.
Shourya’s father, Pradeep Patil, said his son was “publicly humiliated” on the day he took his life after he slipped during rehearsals. He alleged a teacher taunted Shourya as he cried on stage. The grieving father also named three teachers — Julie Vargis, Manu Kalra and Yukti Mahajan — accusing them of threatening or mistreating his son. None of the teachers or the school administration has responded so far.
The suicide note revealed Patil’s deep emotional distress and overwhelming guilt. He apologised repeatedly to his mother, father and brother, writing that he could no longer cope with the behaviour of some teachers. He also requested that his organs be donated “if in a condition to work.”
As the school faces mounting questions over student welfare and allegations of misconduct, authorities have yet to issue an official statement. The investigation into the teenager’s tragic death continues.
