Every year, when the results of Class 10 and 12 are declared, society witnesses two contrasting realities. On the one side, there are celebrations for students who score exceptionally high marks. On the other side, there is silence, disappointment, and emotional pain for those who score average or low marks. Unfortunately, in today’s society, intelligence is often judged only through marks, which is completely incorrect and psychologically damaging.

From a psychological perspective, Self-Worth Theory explains that when children begin to link their self-esteem with academic performance, poor marks are experienced not as feedback but as personal failure. This leads to feelings of shame, anxiety, and low self-confidence. Marks, therefore, become a threat to a child’s identity rather than a measure of........

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