The recent spate of deaths among Indian students studying in the United States has sent shockwaves through the Indian community and sparked concerns about the safety and security of students abroad. In quick succession, four Indian students lost their lives in separate incidents across different states in the US, prompting calls for heightened vigilance and preventive measures from concerned netizens and authorities alike.
The most recent tragedy involved Shreyas Reddy Benigeri, a student at the Lindner School of Business in Cincinnati, Ohio. His untimely demise follows closely after the deaths of Neel Acharya from Purdue University, MBA student Vivek Saini in Georgia, and Akul B Dhawan from the University of Illinois. The sequence of these incidents has raised alarm bells within the Indian community, leading to urgent calls for action to address the safety concerns of Indian students studying overseas.
The Indian Consulate in New York confirmed Benigeri’s death and assured that a police investigation is underway. While initial reports suggest no indication of foul play, the circumstances surrounding these tragedies have left many questioning the overall safety and security measures in place for Indian students in the US. Concerned netizens have taken to social media platforms to express their anguish and demand proactive steps from the Indian government to safeguard the interests of students studying abroad.
In response to the Consulate’s statement, users on various social media platforms have highlighted the need for a comprehensive travel advisory aimed at protecting Indian students pursuing higher education in the US. Debashish Sarkar, among others, emphasized that mere repatriation of remains is insufficient, urging the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to issue detailed guidelines and safety protocols to prevent further tragedies. Sarkar’s sentiments echo the growing sentiment among many Indians, who feel that a stronger stance on safety measures is imperative to protect the welfare of students studying overseas.
Sonam Mahajan expressed deep concerns about the rising incidents of violence against Indian students in the US, characterizing the country as an increasingly unsafe place for Indian nationals. Mahajan’s sentiments resonate with many who believe that urgent action is needed to address the underlying issues contributing to the vulnerability of Indian students abroad. The call for a travel advisory against the US underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for concrete steps to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of Indian students pursuing educational opportunities overseas.
The tragic occurrences come at a time when Indian students constitute a significant portion of the international student population in the US. According to the Open Doors report, more than 25 percent of foreign students in the US are of Indian origin, reflecting the growing trend of Indian students seeking academic opportunities abroad. However, the recent incidents have raised questions about the adequacy of existing safety protocols and the need for enhanced security measures to protect the welfare of Indian students studying overseas.
As concerns about student safety continue to mount, there is a growing consensus among stakeholders that proactive measures are essential to address the root causes of vulnerability and mitigate potential risks. The Indian government, in collaboration with educational institutions and international authorities, must prioritize the safety and well-being of Indian students abroad. By implementing robust safety protocols and fostering greater collaboration with host countries, efforts can be made to create a safer environment conducive to the pursuit of academic excellence for Indian students studying overseas.
