Actor Suriya is not just a versatile and an ace-actor who is celebrated among fans for his acting, but is also an active social workers who is involved in various projects to uplift the life of students. He released a new video today, September 18 and appealed to students against taking their own lives and said that life is not just about scores and exams.
In the backdrop of three students in Tamil Nadu taking their own life in the fear of not clearing NEET (The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), Suriya adviced students that everyone can win in life, and achieve big if they have confidence and courage in themselves.
Staring the video with a quote from revolutionary Tamil poet Bharathiyar, he said, "Achamillai, achamillai, acham enbathu illaye (I have no fear over anything)" and noted that, "All students should live without fear and with confidence, as a brother I humbly appeal to you.”
"Do you remember an incident from last week or last month which incredibly upset you? Do you feel it with the same intensity? Definitely the pain would have lessened. Or it could have completely withered away. An exam is not bigger than your life. If you are depressed, please approach the people who you are close with, like parents, teachers, friends and let yourself out. Fear, anxiety, dejection and depression are things which disappear after a while. But suicide, the decision to your end your life is a life time punishment to your parents who love you. Don’t forget this,” he urged.
He also spoke about his poor performance in exams and revealed that he himself has failed in all exams and received extremely humiliating marks. “I have failed in all the exams which I have appeared in. Have scored humiliatingly low marks. And I can say this as someone who associates with you: Life is not just about scores and exams. There is a lot to achieve. To understand and love you, there are a lot of people. If we have confidence and courage in ourselves, everyone can win in life, and achieve big.” The nearly two-minute-long video is garnering praise from all quarters for speaking up to students at a crucial time.
This is not the first time he's spoken up for students. He has earlier called NEET a threat to students and said that education should be a state’s responsibility and right. Stating that NEET is wrecking the future of students from marginalised communities and those studying in government schools in Tamil Nadu, Suriya said the common medical entrance test should be scrapped.
Watch Suriya's video for students here: