Hartford, Connecticut – A series of recent deaths of Indian students in colleges across the United States has left the South Asian community in a state of shock, raising concerns among peers and parents. So far in 2024, seven Indian and Indian American students under the age of 25 have died under tragic circumstances, ranging from suicide to overdose to homicide. These incidents have sparked anxiety and fear within Indian communities in the U.S. and abroad.
The string of deaths began on Jan. 15 when two Indian-origin students were found dead in their residence at Sacred Hearts University in Hartford, Connecticut. Both Dinesh Gattu, 22, and Sai Rakoti, 21, died from accidental overdoses involving fentanyl, according to the Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner. Following these deaths, more incidents involving Indian students unfolded in different states.
At Purdue University in Indiana, where two of the seven deaths occurred, the Indian Students Association president, Virag Shah, expressed deep concern and alarm over the fatal incidents. The deaths of Neel Acharya, 19, and Sameer Kamath, 23, just weeks apart, added to the grim toll. These tragedies have left many questioning the safety and well-being of Indian students pursuing education in the U.S.
Across the country, similar incidents have been reported. In Lithonia, Georgia, 25-year-old Indian graduate student Vivek Saini was purportedly beaten to death in the store where he worked. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the body of Indian American freshman Akul Dhawan, 18, was discovered in subzero temperatures on campus after allegedly taking his own life. And at the University of Cincinnati, 19-year-old Shreyas Reddy Beniger, of Indian origin, was found dead from an apparent suicide.
The alarming trend of Indian student deaths in the U.S. has raised concerns about mental health and safety on campus. Experts point out the pressure and stress faced by international students, particularly Indian men, in an environment of intense competition and high expectations. These circumstances, combined with challenges in seeking mental health support, have led to a growing realization of the risks faced by Indian students studying abroad.
As the Indian community grapples with these tragic losses, questions about the safety and security of students pursuing education in the U.S. have come to the forefront. While the pursuit of an American education has long been idealized for its promise of prosperity, recent events have prompted a reevaluation of this notion. Families who have invested heavily in sending their children overseas are now reconsidering whether the U.S. remains a safe destination for higher education. The impact of these incidents may lead to a shift in perceptions and choices among Indian families considering international education options.
As the Indian community mourns the loss of these young lives, the need for greater awareness, support, and preventive measures for mental health and safety among international students has become increasingly urgent. The tragic deaths of these promising young individuals have highlighted the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by Indian students pursuing their educational dreams in a foreign land.