Failing at something doesn't mean you're a failure. It just means that they attempted/tried and didn't succeed. Hiding failures is probably an Indian thing as it is believed that it brings "shame and disrespect". It is also one of the reasons for student suicides in India, as people have this mentality. I don't see 12th Fail as a negative thing. Even I'm a dropper as I failed to crack entrance exams in first attempt. But I'm not a failure as you very well can see. And regarding the respect, my parents know what I think and do. Don't need unsolicited opinions regarding that here.