Satyanarayan mohapatra
Kota's fight for relevance in the age of edtech
The air in Kota, Rajasthan, is thick with a sense of foreboding. A city once pulsating with the energy of youthful ambition now finds itself at a crossroads, its identity as India's coaching capital challenged by a confluence of factors. The familiar symphony of hurried footsteps and animated discussions among students has been replaced by an unsettling silence, leaving a void that echoes through the streets and alleys.
The economic tremors are palpable. Mahavir Singh, an auto-rickshaw driver who once ferried eager students between coaching centers and hostels, now spends his days idling in Coral Park, a once-bustling student hub that has become a ghost town. His income, like that of countless others who depend on the student economy, has been slashed in half, leaving families struggling to make ends meet.
Hostel owners share similar tales of woe. Radheshyam, caretaker of a girls' hostel with a capacity of 76, stares at rows of empty beds, his hopes of a profitable year dashed against the reality of a 70% drop in occupancy. The once-overflowing hostels of Coral Park, designed to accommodate the influx of aspiring engineers and doctors, now stand half-empty, their silence a stark reminder of the city's dwindling fortunes.
The decline is not limited to Coral Park; it has cast a pall over the entire city. Student enrollment in coaching centers, once a reliable indicator of Kota's vitality, has plummeted by a staggering 30-40%. This translates to a significant loss of revenue for coaching institutes, a decline in GST collection, and a ripple effect that impacts every sector of the local economy.
The reasons for this downturn are multifaceted. The rise of edtech platforms, offering accessible and personalized learning experiences, has disrupted the traditional coaching model. Students, particularly those from smaller towns and villages, now have viable alternatives that eliminate the need to relocate to Kota. The emergence of prominent coaching centers in other cities has further decentralized the industry, diluting Kota's once-unrivaled appeal.
However, the challenges facing Kota go beyond mere competition. The city is also battling a deeply ingrained perception problem. The tragic incidents of student suicides, often linked to the immense pressure and cutthroat competition, have tarnished Kota's image, casting a long shadow of doubt over its ability to nurture and support young aspirants.
Despite these formidable challenges, Kota is not surrendering to despair. The city is actively seeking solutions, focusing on diversifying its economy, promoting entrepreneurship, and addressing the mental health concerns of its student population. Initiatives are underway to create a more supportive and inclusive environment, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Kota's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a reflection of the city's determination to redefine itself in the face of adversity. The path ahead is undoubtedly arduous, but Kota's legacy as a cradle of dreams and its unwavering commitment to education provide a foundation for hope and renewal.
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